Julie Ware

Julie Ware

Thetford, VT - Julie Marie Ware passed away suddenly, the morning of June 27, 2025, in her home in North Thetford, VT. She was born in Hanover, NH on November 13, 1947, to Leet Ware and Virginia Thurber Ware. Julie is survived by Bruce Avery, her partner of more than thirty years, her brother Leet T. Ware; his daughters Kelly Curtis and Ashley Livingstone; her son Dusty Harris; her son Shane Harris, his wife Shelby; her step grandchildren Lauren Partington, Harlow, and Brendan Partington; and her grandchildren Olivia and Logan Harris.

Julie attended high school at South Lancaster Academy (a Seventh day Adventist school in Massachusetts) while staying with her Grandmother Thurber, and after graduation, traveled to Southern Missionary College in Collegedale, TN where she received a 3-year Nursing certificate. She finished her fourth year at UVM, graduating with a BS degree in Nursing.

Julie married James Harris in March of 1972, and they moved to Athens, GA where Julie worked as an RN at Athens General Hospital. After James graduated from UGA, they moved to Houghton Hill Road in Thetford, VT where she worked at the Dartmouth School of Nursing as a Medical Surgery Instructor. In July of 1973, the couple welcomed Shane into the world and then welcomed Dusty in July of 1976.

Julie later moved next to her parents' home in Thetford after the she and James divorced, remarrying Arthur Peale (later divorced), first working for the USPS and then as a school nurse at Thetford Academy and then Oxbow high school.

As her sons grew into high school, she became the Health Occupations Vocational Instructor at HACTC, combining her love of nursing with the joys of teaching young people, a profession that suited her very well. During this time, she earned her master's in education, the Vermont Vocational Teacher of the year award, and accumulated a wonderful box of "Thank you" notes from many of her cherished students. Julie retired not long after the birth of her grandchildren, wishing to "spend her time with them, while they were young."

Julie grew up in a wonderful loving household, developing a love for music and a special love for animals. Some time in her forties she obtained a "Vermont Wildlife Rehabilitation License" allowing her to care for hurt or abandoned baby animals. These included deer, squirrels, mink, raccoons, and a woodchuck named "Cuddles." Cuddles made her home nearby, and much to the delight of Julie's grandchildren, would come onto the porch and into the house to receive vegetables and cookies. For 13 years, Cuddles visited almost daily, bringing a new litter of pups each year to share in the handouts.

Julie had strong faith, choosing to spend her life caring for others. She was gracious, loving, and kind and had a very clear perspective of what was important in life. She cherished her family, patients, students, and animal friends, making a point of telling her sons at the end of every visit how happy she was living in her home on the hill with her cherished "little dogs." She will be deeply missed.

There will be a public graveside service at the North Thetford "Pleasant Ridge" Cemetery, on Saturday, August 2nd at 11:00 AM.

To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com

Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.