Anne Elizabeth Symens-Bucher was born on September 17, 1957, in Alameda, California. Anne married Terry Symens-Bucher on October 4, 1986, and they had five children: Chiara, Catherine, John, Timothy, and Robert.

Symens-Bucher obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Holy Names University.

Symens-Bucher was with the Franciscaus St. Barbara Province for twenty-five years. Symens-Bucher co-founded the Nevada Desert Experience.