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Taft School Pace University Yale University

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Guilford Funeral Home

115 Church Street

Guilford, Connecticut

Julia Jonathan Obituary

JONATHAN, JULIA TAFT Julia Taft Jonathan, born Julia Wilson Taft, of Guilford, passed away on the morning of Saturday, January 26. She was the loyal wife of Jeff Jonathan and devoted mother to three daughters, Eliza, Sarah, and Annie. She is survived by two sisters and a brother, all of whom remained close to Julia both as siblings and as friends. Julia was born on May 13, 1958, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Lloyd Bowers Taft and Virginia Stone Taft. Julia was the great granddaughter of President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft and granddaughter of Senator Robert Taft of Ohio. She graduated from the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut in 1976 and then attended Yale University, proudly captaining the women's soccer team before graduating in 1980. Always a teacher and an innovator, Julia taught at Hamden Hall School before relocating to Lake Placid where she spent many years living and teaching at Camp Treetops and North Country School and was continuously involved in both programs. To the time of her death she actively participated in the camp and school, serving on the board of trustees for many years. Julia began her nursing education at Pace University before returning to the New Haven area. She later attended Yale University a second time, becoming a nurse practitioner in 2007. She found application for her nursing passion with the Yale New Haven Orthopedics group. Throughout her life, Julia had a wonderful love of running, knitting, gardening, crossword puzzles, cookbooks, and good conversation. She will be missed by all who shared these loves along the way. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, at 2pm at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford. Contributions in memory of Julia Jonathan can be made to North Country School/Camp Treetops, 4382 Cascade Rd., Lake Placid, NY 12946. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com

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Published by The New Haven Register from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Julia Jonathan

17 Entries

Vince and Noreen Urbanski

February 19, 2013

Julia touched our lives so profoundly for a short moment in time. We are heart broken to learn of her passing and wish to offer our sincere condolences and love to Julia's family and friends. Rest in peace beautiful angel.

Elspeth Straker

February 11, 2013

I was very saddened to hear this tragic news from Louise Dempsey McKean,another dear friend from Murray Bay. I was very fond of all the Taft famiily and remember Julia as dear little girl nine years my junior full of fun and energy. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
With love,
Elspeth Bourne Straker

Richard Dempsey

February 9, 2013

Very sorry to learn of Julia's passing. Although it had been several years since I last saw her, I will always remember her energetic personality and athleticism during summers our families would gather in Murray Bay. I was fortunate to be partnered with her a couple of times for tennis tournaments and other sporting events there during the 1970s. She will be missed.

Paula Baraket

February 8, 2013

Dear Jeff and Daughters: I first me Julia in Sandi Shelton's writing group. She was a wonderfully, bright storyteller. We got together another time for a drink "just because" and she told my friend and I funny stories about her family and a brief history of The Tafts. Julia and I spoke about her illness, since I had Ovarian cancer awhile back. She was optimistic and very brave. I was so shocked to hear of her death through the newspaper today. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls. I know she is out there in the Universe telling stories and helping others (as only RN's can do) and is surrounded by Angels. I know she loved you all so much. May your many memories of Julia help sustain you in these difficult times. I will miss her. Hugs to you all, Paula "PB" Baraket

Sandi Shelton

February 7, 2013

I am so very sorry to hear of Julia's passing. She was in a creative writing workshop that I led, and we all loved her so much! In addition to all her other skills and talents, she was such a good writer, and her warmth and lively spirit came through in everything she wrote. I was sad to hear of her illness, and now feel so sad to hear of her passing. Sending prayers and love to your family.

Roopa Narasimhaiah

February 3, 2013

Dear Jeff, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Leah Carrasquillo

February 2, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Julia's in the NP program at Yale. I remember her as vivacious, bright, and a passionate learner. I remember she also spoke often and so lovingly of her daughters and of being a Mom. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Darlene Surato

February 2, 2013

My Deepest sympathy and Prayers for Julia's dear Family. She lit the room with her Light and Smiles when speaking of each of you..not only was she a positive light of Peace, she simply had a way of speaking and Teaching from her soul in her daily dealings with patients and Staff, and our many conversations of Life...I learned a multitude of Lessons from her natural Grace,Class & Wisdom..Yes, Sadly Taken to soon but her Legacy of Peace & Beauty lives on in all of us she touched.

Joyce Plourde

February 2, 2013

I was so saddened to hear of Julia's passing. She was such an inspiration to me when I was going though a difficult time. My condolences. She will be greatly missed.

Brian Trotier

February 1, 2013

Dear Jeff, Eliza, Sarah, and Annie:

You don't know me, but I went to Yale with Julia and am very sad to hear of your loss. She had one of the most unique spirits I ever encountered and will be greatly missed. I feel very fortunate to have known her.

February 1, 2013

Dear Jeff,
Ian and I would like to extend our sympathies to you and your daughters.
God bless you all,
Sara and Ian Morris

Leslie Lutz

January 31, 2013

A guiding light to all you knew. You will be missed!

Leslie Lutz

January 31, 2013

Thoughts and prayers are with you all. May memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. Although it has been many years, I will always remember Julia as a strong and vibrant woman. She was someone I always respected and looked up to.

Beth Rosenberg Richter

January 31, 2013

Dear Jeff,
We are so saddened to hear of Julia's passing, and share our affection and sympathy with you and your family. I still remember Julia from her days as a soccer coach back in Hamden Hall's early girl's soccer program. She always lit people's spirits wherever she went, and we know how much you and Julia shared a commitment to young people. May you all be comforted by the good works she has done and the -- too short -- time she shared with you.

Rita Bennett and family

January 31, 2013

I knew right away on meeting Julia at Yale what a warm, caring and exceptionally knowledgeable person she was. She graciously helped me through a very difficult period. My family and I want to express our deepest sympathy to her lovely family and to her many friends and colleagues on her passing.

Jane Scognamillo

January 31, 2013

Dear Jeff ,
Fred and I were shocked to hear of Julia's passing. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jane Scognamillo ( Bryn Mawr, PA)

Maryann Francischelli

January 30, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Julia was an amazing woman. I will remember the lovely time we had exploring Montreal last summer in between watching our girls play softball.
Rest in peace
The Francischellis

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