It is difficult to put memories of Julie in just a few paragraphs. She was so much and we have such beautiful memories of her.
Remember that smile. Julie loved to laugh and have fun. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her friends. She made us all smile and laugh with her. We all loved her sense of humor. Her intelligence, her grace, her beauty and her courage are memories we share.
After high school Julie continued her education at University of Colorado. She graduated in four years with honors with a BS degree in Elementary Education Teaching and a minor in Psychology. She immediately started her teaching career in Adams 12 and taught there her entire career. She was chosen to be one of the teachers to open a new school that had just been completed. She enjoyed the experience very much with the new staff, administration and students and was excited with the new beginning at a brand new school. Julie continued her education and received a Master's degree in Literacy from the University of Colorado. She also received her Administration Certificate from the University of Denver. Julie was an excellent teacher and was honored as the Literacy Teacher of the Year in 2007-08 by the CCIRA. Julie used her literacy teaching skills as an interventionist and as a coach. She also worked as an assistant principal.
Julie loved to travel. She traveled extensively in Europe. She also traveled to Mexico and visited many of the states in the USA. She and her friends enjoyed going to Arizona for the Rockies and spring training. Her dream came true when she was able to go to France and spend time in Paris and other places in France.
The last four years of her life she became very active doing Crossfit. She enjoyed the challenge of reaching physical goals that seemed difficult at the start. She was proud of the strength she obtained both physically and mentally from doing the workout. Her Crossfit friends often do a WOD for Julie.
Julie kept close ties with her good friends from high school and college. She was greatly admired and loved by her fellow teachers and administrators. The true value of her teaching career was her students. She was loved, honored and respected by her students and their parents. She touched the hearts and minds of many young people.
Julie's dreams, career and life were cut short. She was diagnosed with an especially aggressive cancer and passed away on September 25, 2013. At Julie's memorial her friends sang For Good from the musical Wicked. We believe that song exemplifies Julie. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
