Obituary of Julie Jean Gerhardt

Surrounded by the love of her family, Julie Jean (Hendricks) Gerhardt of West Chester, PA passed away on November 4, 2025 after an unexpected illness.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 15, 1947 to Robert and Barbara Hendricks, Julie grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio alongside her loving sister, Bobbette "Bobbie" Bahler. She was very active in high school and enjoyed being part of the pep squad and the synchronized swimming team. Julie went on to attend Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Speech Therapy.

Julie lived in various places throughout early adulthood before planting roots in the Philadelphia area to raise her three daughters, Heather Gallagher, Kathryn Rinda, and Meghan Wismer. Her family was her pride and joy and she loved spending time with her six grandchildren: Henry Gallagher, Weston Gallagher, Charlotte Wismer, Annabelle Jean Rinda, Quinn Gallagher, and Garrett Wismer. Grandma Julie used her creative and adventurous spirit to form so many beautiful memories and traditions.

Following her career as an executive assistant, Julie started her own personal business caring for friends and neighbors in Hershey's Mill as a driver and home care companion. Julie spent her free time with her beloved kitties, tending to her garden, reading, knitting, and bird-watching on her treasured porch. Her artistic flair and sense of style were evident in her home and her wardrobe. Julie's love for animals was expressed in her volunteer work caring for service puppies as well as raising a service dog. Julie loved to travel near and far. Whether it was a trip to Ohio to visit family and friends, or an overseas adventure, she always looked forward to her next journey.

Julie will be remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity, quick wit, and the countless friendships she nurtured over the years. Her magnetic personality and welcoming heart left an impression on everyone who knew her.

Julie is also survived by her sons-in-law: Brendan Gallagher, Sean Rinda, William "Jamie" Wismer; brother-in-law, Stan Bahler; niece, Emily Frazier and her husband Paul and their children Riley and Nora; nephew, David Bahler and countless dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Julie's life on Friday, January 9, 2026 Radnor Valley Country Club, 555 Sproul Road, Villanova, PA. Memorial service will begin at 11:00AM and will be followed by a reception. To honor Julie's cheerful personality, her daughters encourage those attending the service to wear something colorful and fabulous.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Canine Partners for Life www.k94life.org/donate or the Spaeth Glaucoma Fund www.willseye.org/giving/dedicated-funds/spaeth-glaucoma-fund/