Victoria Lynn Bucher

Aug. 1, 1947 - Nov. 10, 2019

CHARLESTON, SC, - Victoria Lynn Bucher, 72, of Charleston, South Carolina and formerly of South Bend, wife of Rodger Aldred Smith entered into eternal rest Sunday, November 10, 2019. Her Funeral service will be held Friday, November 22, 2019 in Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401, at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Victoria was born August 1, 1947 in South Bend, Indiana, daughter of the late Lorenzo “Pete” Bucher and Lillian “Martha” Nash Bucher. She attended St. Casimir's School, St. Joseph High School, and graduated from Riley High School in 1965. Victoria graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Philosophy in 1969. She continued her studies in philosophy at Indiana University, Bloomington. Victoria returned to South Bend in 1971, and joined the South Bend Public Library as a reference librarian in the Main Library's Sociology and Religion Department. In 1978 she transferred to the newly-opened Francis Branch Library as Bookmobile Librarian.

On Valentine's Day 1979, during a snowstorm, Victoria married fellow librarian Rodger Smith. In September 1982, Victoria and Rodger moved to Charleston, SC. Victoria joined the staff of the Main Reference Department of the Charleston County Library. In 1984, she moved to the College of Charleston's Library's Collection Development Department where she specialized in government documents. Victoria retired from the College Library in 2003.

Victoria was passionately committed to the life of the mind and to music. Her first passions were theology, philosophy, feminism and politics. In South Bend she was an active member of the Women's Political Caucus. She was Democratic Precinct Chair for her South Bend precinct. Her next great passion was music and singing. In South Bend Victoria was a member of the Symphonic Chorus. Once in Charleston, she devoted her energies to the library and singing. Victoria studied voice at the College of Charleston, regularly performing at student recitals. She was an enthusiastic member of Emily Remington's Singer's Guild, with many happy memories of holiday and special concerts. Victoria sang with several Charleston church choirs, including the Unitarian Church, Church of Our Savior, St. Michael's, and Second Presbyterian. During the 1990's to 2007, she was the cantor at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Hasel Street with Mary Julia Royall, music director and organist. Together Mary Julia and Victoria provided beautiful music for Sunday Masses, funerals, and many weddings. Since 2014 Victoria was a member of the Grace Church Parish Choir and the Lowcountry Senior Center Chorus. Even in compromised health and with physical limitations, Victoria sang in both choirs with passion and joy. She was a member of Grace Church Cathedral.

Victoria is survived by her husband of forty years, Rodger; her sister, Gloria Bucher of Odessa, FL; and her brother, Gregory Bucher of Weeki Wachee, FL.

Memorials may be made to the Music Fund of the Lowcountry Senior Center, 865 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.