Julie Lockwood Busher, a beloved educator, devoted mother, and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on November 26, 1944, in Santa Monica, California, Julie's passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students and community defined her remarkable 35-year career.

Julie dedicated her life to teaching, inspiring countless young minds in kindergarten through fourth grade. She began her career at Searles Elementary School in Union City. As a Kindergarten teacher, she was a pioneer in bilingual education. Her love and devotion to English learners never faded. She decided to become a principal because she believed teachers and students deserved a principal who understood the classroom and always wanted to be close to it.  She embodied this philosophy throughout her career. Her expertise, warmth and caring turned her schools into a family which connected the staff, students and parents in a shared commitment to learning. She served as a principal in San Jose and Vacaville, California.

In Vacaville, she served as the principal of Orchard Elementary School, where she was instrumental in its opening as the first principal, and later at Alamo Elementary School, where she spent most of her career. Under her leadership, both schools earned California Distinguished School status, a testament to her dedication and vision. Notably, Julie made history as the first female principal in Solano County to have a child while serving in that role, breaking barriers and paving the way for future female leaders in education. Her commitment extended beyond her own role; she mentored numerous female teachers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams of becoming principals.

A proud alumna of UC Berkeley, Julie's commitment to education was matched only by her love for travel. She explored all seven continents, with a special fondness for Antarctica, where she dreamed of returning. Julie shared her love of adventure not only with her family but also with her students, often bringing stories from her travels into the classroom. In recent years, Julie enjoyed sharing artifacts, pictures, and stories of her adventures with her daughter's students at Alamo and Markham Elementary. Notably, she created a virtual African safari with pictures from her trip and enthusiastically narrated a safari adventure for first grade classrooms.

Julie is survived by her loving husband, Jim Busher; her son, James Busher, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Winters, along with their children Wilder and Daisy; and her daughter, Lily Perkins, and son-in-law, Patrick Perkins; her brother, William Lockwood, and sister, Mary Eister, and their respective families. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

In her retirement, Julie continued to give back to her community by volunteering in her daughter's classroom, exemplifying her lifelong commitment to education and support for women's rights. She always loved working with students, especially those who were still developing learners, and helping them reach their full potential. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering support for teachers, staff, parents, and students alike.

Julie Lockwood Busher leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and a commitment to education that will continue to impact lives for generations to come. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know her.