June Hill Firchow

December 22, 1943 – December 18, 2025

June Hill Firchow, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, just days before her 82nd birthday. Born on December 22, 1943, in Houston, Texas, June lived a life defined by devotion to children, education, friendship, and her deep Texas roots.

June was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Gibbs Hill; her father, John Asa Hill; her brother, Thomas Gibbs Hill; her twin sister who was truly her other half, Joan Hill; and her beloved son, Hunter Hill Firchow.

A proud Houston native, June attended Lamar High School, where she was a member of the renowned Lamar High School Choralettes. She went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she pledged Delta Gamma and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Education. A lifelong Longhorns fan, June carried her Texas pride with her everywhere she went.

Following her graduation, June began her teaching career in Denver and later in California before returning home to Texas, where she spent the majority of her professional life educating young children in Austin. She was a beloved preschool teacher at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, an original teacher in the Head Start program at Palm School, and dedicated more than 30 years to teaching Kindergarten in the Austin Independent School District at Oak Hill Elementary. Her passion for teaching, boundless patience, and genuine love for children left a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues alike.

June was a true survivor. In her 40s, she bravely battled and overcame breast cancer, and years later, she defeated a massive brain tumor with remarkable strength and resilience. Through it all, she faced life with courage, grace, and humor.

Known for never leaving a room without making a new friend, June formed deep and lasting friendships throughout her life. She was admired for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Her colleagues cherished her, and children adored her.

June married Eric Firchow in 1967. Though later divorced, they maintained a lifelong friendship and partnership in raising their children, Brooke and Hunter, exemplifying mutual respect and enduring family commitment.

June is survived by her daughter, Brooke Waupsh, who shared her mother’s journey as a fellow breast cancer survivor and lovingly served as her caregiver and constant support for many years. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Jack Waupsh, Lowen Waupsh, and Greyson Hill Firchow, who were the great joys of her life.

A woman deeply proud of her Texas ancestry, June Hill Firchow leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, education, and connection. Her impact lives on in the countless lives she touched, taught, and loved.