ForeverMissed
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Julia Bolger Garnjost Lannen passed away peacefully on July 7th, with her four children at her bedside. She had struggled with Alzheimer's for years before her death, but had been well cared for by the nursing staff of Tall Oaks Assisted Living in Reston, where she died. Her family is grateful for their compassion, as well as assistance given in the end by hospice nurses.

Julia's faith carried her through the worst moments in her life, and it remains an inspiration for us all. Please keep Julia and all our family in your prayers.

We will celebrate Julia's life on August 6th with an 11 a.m. funeral mass at St. John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston. Friends and family are invited after the service to a reception at the home of John and Deborah Lannen, just down the road from the church.

Tributes

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Patrick Brady
August 15, 2016
August 15, 2016
I first met Mrs. Lannen as a teenager – at a formal Brady-Lannen family gathering at the Officers Club at Bolling Air Force Base back in the 70's. Over the years Mrs. Lannen evolved from the warm but imposing mother figure she presented to my teenage eyes in those days to the friendly and empathetic presence that she became in more recent times. I'll never forget the road trip Julia, my mother and I made the year I chauffeured the two of them – through snow squalls and holiday traffic – from Washington to Philadelphia to celebrate Christmas at Bill and Jody's place. The double dose of family stories and driving directives was entertaining and ensured prompt delivery of the mother-in-laws! It was my good fortune to know Julia and to share in her fondness for her family.
Barbara Esstman
August 8, 2016
August 8, 2016
When I first met Julia she was withdrawn and distant. Then Jody went on a crusade to get her mother out and about, and this triggered a renaissance. From then on, Julia was vibrant, chatty, and social. She talked about all the places she went on her own and virtually glowed with excitement. How wonderful to know her in full flower and keep that memory of her.
Jody Brady
August 4, 2016
August 4, 2016
Looking through pictures of Mom to share at her funeral has been such a wonderful task. To see her smile again and again. To see her with her grandson Matt's arm slung around her shoulder at Christmas time; with her granddaughter Kelly, as a bride dressed in wedding white, leaning in for a picture with her. To see Mom looking down with wonder at her itty bitty great-granddaughter Eloise the first time she held her. I'm so grateful for the pictures that keep her here beside us.
Audrey Fleming
August 3, 2016
August 3, 2016
I met Mrs Lannen only once but her daughter Jody has become an important part of my life. I will always be grateful for the joy she brings to my life and to her mother for all she imparted to her daughter.

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Recent Tributes
Patrick Brady
August 15, 2016
August 15, 2016
I first met Mrs. Lannen as a teenager – at a formal Brady-Lannen family gathering at the Officers Club at Bolling Air Force Base back in the 70's. Over the years Mrs. Lannen evolved from the warm but imposing mother figure she presented to my teenage eyes in those days to the friendly and empathetic presence that she became in more recent times. I'll never forget the road trip Julia, my mother and I made the year I chauffeured the two of them – through snow squalls and holiday traffic – from Washington to Philadelphia to celebrate Christmas at Bill and Jody's place. The double dose of family stories and driving directives was entertaining and ensured prompt delivery of the mother-in-laws! It was my good fortune to know Julia and to share in her fondness for her family.
Barbara Esstman
August 8, 2016
August 8, 2016
When I first met Julia she was withdrawn and distant. Then Jody went on a crusade to get her mother out and about, and this triggered a renaissance. From then on, Julia was vibrant, chatty, and social. She talked about all the places she went on her own and virtually glowed with excitement. How wonderful to know her in full flower and keep that memory of her.
Jody Brady
August 4, 2016
August 4, 2016
Looking through pictures of Mom to share at her funeral has been such a wonderful task. To see her smile again and again. To see her with her grandson Matt's arm slung around her shoulder at Christmas time; with her granddaughter Kelly, as a bride dressed in wedding white, leaning in for a picture with her. To see Mom looking down with wonder at her itty bitty great-granddaughter Eloise the first time she held her. I'm so grateful for the pictures that keep her here beside us.
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Happy birthday, Mom!

May 19, 2019
by Jody Brady

You would have been 87 today! I made a flower arrangement today, and it reminded me that you used to call them "flower derangements." Funny, how I see you everywhere today--in the flowers (like the Lily of the Valley you loved), in the "JBG" medallion around my neck, in the birds swooping around. Love to you!

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