Julie Ann Bucher

Julie Ann (Houle) Bucher, 57, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by her family after a valiant fight against ovarian cancer and Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Julie was born and raised in Minnesota. After moving to the Philadelphia area during a teaching sabbatical, Julie met the love of her life, John, and together they enjoyed 30 wonderful years. The greatest joy of their lives was raising their daughters, Emme and Addi, while cultivating meaningful friendships and creating lasting memories along the way.

Numerous characteristics describe Julie - positive, caring, radiant, steady, impactful, inspirational, faithful, and strong. She epitomized what it means to be a true friend. Her heart was expansive and generous, felt by all who knew her, and it continues to shine through her girls. Complaining was never on her to-do list. Julie was always more interested in asking about others, and she had a remarkable way of lifting everyone around her.

Those who knew her would describe Julie as someone who was “always there.” Whether on the sidelines cheering on Emme and Addi and their teammates, at work teaching Physical Education to young children, or checking in on her friends and family, her supportive nature never wavered, even when her illness became increasingly draining.

Julie was passionate about teaching, a profession she dedicated 30 years to, and spent more than 25 of those at Gladwyne Elementary. She was an empathetic, encouraging presence for her students and was deeply treasured by her colleagues and the entire school community. As one beloved colleague observed, “Her strength wasn’t loud. It was steady, consistent, and deeply human. That is what made her so special to those around her.”

During her childhood in Minnesota, Julie played soccer and enjoyed fishing and hunting with her father. Her love of sports continued into adulthood as she coached her daughters’ soccer teams, captured thousands of photos on the sidelines, and became an enthusiastic fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers, always ready to throw a legendary tailgate. Julie also enjoyed country music, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies and key lime pie, creating beautiful flower arrangements, and cultivating genuine friendships in every part of her life. She was a devoted member of her Bible study group, sharing her faith and kindness with all who knew her.

Julie cherished family time in Stone Harbor, morning sunrise walks, and sitting on the beach with her toes in the sand, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Julie is survived by her loving husband, John; daughters, Emerson and Addison; parents, Leo and Shelia Houle, and Ruth Ann and Rod Vagle; brother, Steven Houle; mother and father-in-law, John and Mary Ellen Bucher; sister-in-law, Heidi, husband Dennis; nephews Aidan and Chase Kelly, and many other family and friends.

All are invited to Julie’s visitation on Thursday, Dec. 18, 6-8:00 p.m. at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 West Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA and on Friday, Dec. 19, 10-11:00 a.m. at Fairview Village Church, 3044 W. Germantown Pike, Eagleville, PA, followed by Julie’s service at 11:00 a.m.

Guests are invited to wear pink and bright colors, Julie’s favorites!

The family is grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by the nurses, doctors, and care team at Penn Medicine. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Julie’s memory by contributing to the new Gladwyne Elementary Playground through the Julie Bucher Memorial Donation. Donations of platelets and/or blood are also encouraged through the American Red Cross, or contributions to the NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program), are also welcome in her honor.