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Julia Brilliant Obituary

Age 58 years, of Watertown, on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Cherished daughter of Harold & Charlotte (Prince) Brilliant of Chestnut Hill. Loving sister of Andrew & Beverly Brilliant of Denver, CO and Robert & Karen Brilliant of New York City. Adored aunt of Dianna, Natalie, Jamie and Ashley. Memorial Observance at the home of Harold & Charlotte Brilliant on Wednesday 2-5 PM. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice. Levine Chapels, Brookline 617-277-8300

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Julia Brilliant

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Greg Meagher

April 11, 2025

I met Julia in the summer of 1972 when I was conducting a survey for Harvard University...as I was a 1971 graduate from Northwestern, Julia and I began talking about her time there as a high school summer "Cherub," ...I only interacted with her over a period of of few weeks, however, she made a lasting impression upon me that remains to this day...I guess I have to admit that she was one that I should have stayed around in order to get to know better ( I was moving to Madison, Wisconsin that fall... she was really something, I could tell that straight away

Kate Sturgis

April 23, 2008

I met your beautiful, funny, smart and wonderful daughter and sister Julia almost 30 years ago when we worked at Arnold and we have been friends ever since. Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy.

Kate Sturgis

Beth Farrelly Jordan

April 17, 2008

I knew Julia way back in the Arnold days and then three years ago I did some work for her at Domain. She was an upbeat wonderful person and I miss her. It was always a special time when I saw Julia. So sorry for your loss.

Laura Kensington

April 16, 2008

I just learned of Julia's death...and was so shocked by the news. I had talked with her recently trying to put together a mini Arnold reunion dinner. She said she wasn't feeling quite up to dinner and for me to call her back the following week to schedule something. Then when I called back, I learned the sad news of her passing. She was a wonderfully smart, funny person. She will be missed.

Jo Lambling

April 9, 2008

I grew to know Julia through my work at Domain. She was always a bright, whimsical, inspiring light. The name "Brilliant" inferred the light she shone on others.

Julianne Bell

April 9, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of Julia's passing. I had the opportunity to work with her for many years at Domain. Besides work, I too had many conversations with her about shopping. My sincerest condolences to her family at this time.

Dorothy Crawford

April 9, 2008

I have known Julia less than a year from our water aerobics class but she inspired me, touched me, fascinated me, and often overwhelmed me with her incredible courage. We shared many laughs, endless conversations about "In Treatment", and great discussions about politics. Sadly I know way too many people living with cancer. Often they stay with me when they are in town for treatments. Julia was an incredible source of support for me during some really tough times – I only hope I gave back as good as I got. We had a little girl stay with us who has eye cancer. Despite her 6 weeks of daily treatments, she was a ray of sunshine and often said "I so happy". I told Julia this child was really a Julia Junior. Julia reminded me of that 2 days before she died. I didn't know Julia nearly long enough but I cherish the time we did have together. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Jamie Brilliant

April 4, 2008

My aunt Julia was an amazing and beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was filled with life and personality, a contagious laugh that I can still hear in my head, and remarkable courage and strength that she demonstrated up until the end. We were alike in so many ways from our love for discount shopping, a wonderful appreciation for an eclectic array of great music, and our strong opinions that we were never afraid to share with others. Julia was taken from us way too soon and I will miss her so incredibly much. I love you more than anything, Aunt Julia. You were and will always be remembered as the fantastic, strong, loving, compassionate, and wonderful woman that I have known and loved my whole life. It's going to be so hard for Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Ashley and I to cope with the great loss that we are all experiencing. I hope that we can all be as impressively strong as you have been. I love you and miss you dearly, my beautiful aunt Julia, and I always will.

karen brilliant

April 4, 2008

I loved Julia as my sister. Marrying Rob came with benefits-wonderful in laws and the sister I never had. I will treasure our years together. We shared so much. i will miss you forever! I love u, jules karen Brilliant

Gerry Price

April 4, 2008

Julia and I met when I began working as a consultant for Domain back in 2000. We spoke almost daily and developed a close friendship and camaraderie. I was devastated when she became ill but was inspired at her courage and good humor throughout her fight. I will forever miss our chats and her sense of humor and warmth. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Sally Martin

April 4, 2008

Although I did not know Julia well, I often saw her around the Mt. Auburn Club--she had a smile for everyone and was a beautiful woman. We will all miss her.

Susan Schwalb

April 3, 2008

I met Julia when she became a member of the Mt Auburn Club a year ago. She was a shining light for all who encountered her. Her bravery in the face of an incurable illness kept many of us going. I just heard about her death this morning I can hardly believe it. I was sure that somehow she would stay alive. Her presence will be missed by us all. My condolences to her family.

Al Kelleher

April 3, 2008

Miss Julia as I called her, will be missed greatly. As a vendor working with Julia for years we developed a love hate relationship that crossed the line of just customer & vendor into friendship. Every heated exchange always ended up with, Luv ya, talk to you soon. I will truly miss that.

Jon Rosenberg

April 3, 2008

The Brilliant family,

My most sincere condolences. I had known Julia for over 20 years. We worked together when she was at Reebok. She was always full of life, understanding, and happy. I'll always remember her with a smile on her face.

Lyn Rosoff

April 3, 2008

I worked with Julia back in the late 70's and early 80's. Even though that was decades ago, Julia had so much personality and spirit that I can feel her laugh and energy even now, across all those years. Julia will always represent the best spirit of the "old Arnold."

Karen Driscoll Montague

April 3, 2008

I just learned with great sadness of Julia's passing. I worked with Julia in the late 70's and early 80's. She was at Arnold and I was one of her McDonald's clients. I eventually left McDonald's and went to work at Arnold as well. Julia was so funny and so much fun to be with. I will fondly remember Julia's great laugh and quirky personality. Her sense of fun was contagious. A one of a kind person that just makes you smile thinking of her. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Ellen Light

April 2, 2008

While I didn't know Julia very well, she was very sweet and friendly when I would see her at The Mt Auburn Club. There always seemed to be a happy group around her and laughter from her corner. She touched many people at the health club with her smile and positive attitude.

chip adams

April 2, 2008

bobby and andrew, haven't seen u guys in 35 years, but saw the globe today. I rememebr going out with Julie in high school. So sorry to hear of this news. i hope you are both fine and remember our friendship and tennis matches in high school
sincerely Chip Adams

LOIS TITHERINGTON

April 1, 2008

JULIA WAS A BRIGHT RAY OF SUNSHINE THAT I CAME TO KNOW IN OUR WATER AEROBICS CLASS. SHE MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME AND I'M SURE ANYONE WHO MET HER. IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO THINK SHE IS GONE. I WILL NOT FORGET HER.

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