In loving memory ~
Loving Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Friend.
Julie was the fifth of twelve children. Born 6 weeks prematurely on the family farm near Big River Saskatchewan in the depth of winter, the determined nature that became a hallmark of Julie's character was prevalent from the start. The doctor refused to attend her birth as he felt there was no chance she would survive. Julia had other ideas. The combination of a makeshift incubator consisting of an old grape basket resting on the door of the warming oven of the woodstove, the nurturing love of her mother and aunt, and Julie's will to live, provided the life-sustaining elements that enabled her tiny 3.5-pound body to survive and thrive.
Growing up on the farm, the lines were blurred when it came to "traditional" roles and Julie was often involved in outside work that was normally associated with "men's work" at that time. She became very handy both inside and outside, and this led to a life-long love of crafts and challenges - especially taking something that was worn out or broken, and making it like new, or making it work when no one else could.
Later, she followed her sister Eileen to Dawson Creek where she met and married William (Bill) Ross in 1954. For the first few years of their marriage there were many stops on the road, including Whitehorse, Rivers (MB), Dryden (ON), Kamloops, Kitwanga (BC), finally pausing in Terrace (BC) which became home until Bill's death in 1999. During their years in Terrace, they were staples at the local craft shows as Bill shared Julie's love of making things for others. She then moved to Smithers where her daughter Sandra (Steve) lives, where she spent the remainder of her days.
Julie had an enormous capacity to love. Primary recipients included her children Sid (Therese), Sandra (Steve), Stephen (Sue); stepdaughter Harriet (Bob), stepson Marvin, 10 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild - but she had a general love for people that they felt and appreciated.
Her determined nature served her well throughout her life as she negotiated seventeen major operations for various ailments, and bravely endured chronic pain for the last two decades of her life. Despite this, she strove to get as much out of life as she could, and a friend or loved one visiting could always look forward to a huge smile. Everyone loved her undying expressions of love, and warped sense of humour (which endured through to her final day).
Julia was one of a kind. She leaves a huge hole in our hearts and our lives, and we will miss her dearly. We are comforted by the knowledge that she is being welcomed by so many loved ones who passed before her as she moves past the stage of her journey with us on earth.
We want to acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to the kind and careful care Julie was given by Dr. Marius Scholz, Home Care Support staff, workers at The Meadows, and the Bulkley Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, we would prefer donations are made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, which Julie spent many years fundraising for.
Condolences may be offered at www.schraderfuneralhome.ca
Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services