It’s hard to sum up such a beautiful life in one small obituary.

It’s always been amazing to me that Julie never liked her picture taken. Growing up, I thought she was the most beautiful, encouraging, loving, and daintiest person I ever knew. All these years later, none of that has changed.

Julie’s life experiences drove her to incorporate all the beautiful things about life and gift them to the people she loved.

Julie was a wife, teacher, sister, aunt, friend, and doggie grandma. But most importantly in my eyes, Julie was my best friend, confidante, soother and well, my Mom.

Julia (aka Julie, aka Jules) was born on February 23,1938 in Spring Valley, New York.

Julie died on January 3, 2026 right before midnight. She passed away in a hospital bed as I held her soft hand, watching her beautiful face as she gracefully, quietly slipped away from us.

Julie did everything gracefully and courageously.

Julie leaves her loving husband (our Dad), James L. Bovitz, with 63 years of a solid marriage under their belt.

Mom and Dad had male twins that did not survive their birth, and two living children - James (and wife, Elaine), and me, Janet (and husband, James).

Julie’s younger sister, Stefanie, aka Aunt Steffie, (and her husband, Robert) is now the matriarch of Mom’s side of the family now that Julie has passed.

Sadly, so many of the relatives that our family grew up with have passed, including Julie’s parents (Anthony and Theresa), her two brothers (Anthony and Eugene), and one sister (Mildred). And although our family is small, there are many additional family members and friends left behind who Julie loved and thought of.

There were many sides and facets to Julie. But the best role she played in our lives was Wife and Mom.

We are forever grateful for the many ways Julie touched our lives, cared for her family, gave of herself time and time again, and provided unconditional love.

Lucky you to be the recipient of one of her famous homemade crocheted blankets, which she handed out with love to so many people and places, and/or her fabulous homemade pierogi dinner.

Julie loved crafting, crocheting, canvas painting, candle making, family picture arranging, the American Flag, and period-piece romance novels. Julie wrote an entire Star Trek themed book which she never pursued publication of, but what an endeavor. Julie was butterflies and perfume and pastel colors. Her favorite thing in the world was taking care of her family. Julie was love.

Anyone who didn’t know her missed out.

There will be no service, as per Julie’s wishes. But, if you want to take a moment to honor her, open your heart and do something kind for someone else just because there’s an opportunity to do so, or hang out an American Flag, as Mom always looked for and counted them whenever we were out in the car.

And, just so Julie doesn’t feel so nervous about her picture being posted, we’re sharing a picture of her and our Dad during one Christmas season when we were out in a store being silly.

Luv you Mom.