Julie remained in Iowa City from the time she moved there in the late 80's. She worked for ACT as a test specialist and editor and was greatly valued both as a colleague and a friend among her many work associates. Her attention to detail, her precision, her intelligence, problem-solving and dedication made her an invaluable asset to her workplace.
Julie had many interests and activities that filled her days and evenings. Web design was one such talent that she put to good use as a volunteer for Hospice among other agencies, creating websites for causes she believed in and supported.
Julie was a dedicated human rights activist and was devoted to the cause of peace in the Middle East, serving as a devoted member of People for Justice in Palestine where she made many friends whom she considered extended family.
Julie had a number of cats that were special to her during her life. Jeep was her kitty in Chicago and died shortly after she moved to Iowa. She was followed by Zachary, who was her faithful friend until he also departed. She shared her life thereafter with Jeff and Ray, who were littermates and very lucky to have found a loving home with her.
Julie was an enormous music fan, and was a devoted fan of Paul Rodgers and Here Come the Mummies, traveling some distance many times to support them and enjoy their music. Any member of those bands would probably recognize her on sight from her enthusiastic audience attendance at their shows.
Julie remained a voracious reader her entire life, owning thousands of books (both hard copy and Kindle). It was rare to talk with her that she did not mention the title of the latest book she was reading. While she would read almost anything she could get her hands on, some of her favorite authors included Marcel Proust, Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, Patrick O'Brian, Kurt Vonnegut, and John Irving.
Most of all, Julie was an amazing friend to so many people. It is particularly of note that, unlike many of us, Julie carried on friendships from each part of her life for years and years. Julie did not enjoy or seek out superficial relationships. Once she was your friend, she was your friend for life. She was the most dependable kind of friend...one who was there through tragedy and triumph, always shining the light on others and trumpeting their praise with pride to anyone who would listen, always standing at the ready with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to talk to, and her checkbook open to anyone in need.
We should all be so lucky as to leave behind so many friends and family feeling lost with her departure but grateful for her having graced their lives.