Mary E. (Bucher) Wallace

On May 18, 2026, Mary Bucher Wallace’s final wish to “go see Jesus” was granted just 15 days before her 100th birthday.  She left this earthly life as she had lived it – with a firm commitment to follow her Lord Jesus Christ.  From teaching Sunday School in her 20s to riding her scooter in her 90s to pray with the sick in nursing homes, her Christian faith was the driving force in her life.

Mary was born to Fred and Ethel Bucher on June 2, 1926 in Lancaster County but her family soon moved to a ranch on the Texas/Mexico border. They returned to PA, eventually settling in Everett where she graduated from high school in 1944.  She received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Indiana State Teachers College and taught for several years at both Everett and Bedford High Schools.  Putting her training into action gave her a well-deserved reputation for delicious homecooked meals and a beautifully set table….even for breakfast!

Mary married Max Wallace in 1952.  Their commitment to each other through thick and thin over 65 years was an inspiration to all until his death in 2017.

Upon her father’s sudden death in 1966, Mary took over leadership of Bucher-Wallace Insurance Agency and successfully ran it for over 20 years, further developing its reputation for integrity and a personal touch.

The highlight of Mary’s year was attending Central Manor Bible Camp in Lancaster.  In addition to enjoying all SIX daily sermons, she loved seeing her relatives and attended faithfully until her health would no longer allow it in 2023.

In retirement, Mary threw herself into her love of genealogy, spending countless hours visiting cemeteries, collecting stories, and meticulously typing out detailed family histories, creating valuable keepsakes for her descendents.  She also made a variety of handicrafts – many newborns were cuddled in the soft blankets she knitted to welcome them to the world.

In her final years, Mary enjoyed living at Colonial Courtyard at Bedford.  Even as her world became smaller, she still said, "I'm satisfied.  I can’t complain.”

Mary’s life was focused on serving others and living out her faith.  She was a silent reminder of the importance of Christian humility and sacrificial love for one’s neighbor.  Although we’re glad she’s with the Lord she so loved, her departure leaves a hole in our hearts.

Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family.  She is survived by:  her 3 children - Alice of Bedford, David (Charlotte) of Hopewell, and Margaret Yova (Greg) of Chula Vista, CA;  5 grandchildren - Krista Balke (Ben), Maria Petty, Kelly Ruddell (Michael), Kyle Petty (Harmonie), Jessica Wallace;  8 great-grandchildren;  sisters-in-law - Marilyn Wallace, Ellie Bucher;  and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 22, at Community Grace Church, 1216 Raystown Road, Everett, PA  15537, with Pastor Jeff Peeler officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA, and also one hour prior to the service.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Manor Camp (CentralManorCamp.org) or Community Grace Church (CommunityGrace.online).

The family would like to offer special thanks to the dedicated staff of Colonial Courtyard and 365 Hospice who cared for Mary so lovingly.

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