Julianne Ethel O'Connell Beckett

My daughter and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Julie. It was a blessing to have worked on her Legacy Video for Family Voices and I am so happy she got to see it and how we loved and cherished her as a person and family advocate. I met both Julie and Katie when working with Dr. Merle McPherson, Dr. Vince Hutchins and Kathy Bishop at the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. My daughter, Julie, Katie and I also spent down time together in Florida at Busch Gardens and at dinner. We...

A passionate powerful force; that was the woman known as Julie Beckett! The passion of a mother's heart is unstoppable. Julie was a woman that we looked-up to because she was standing on mountain tops of the work known as advocacy for children. We Love her and Love is eternal.

As a Medicaid attorney for many years, I saw first hand the enormous good Ms. Beckett’s work brought to so many families and persons with disabilities. When I became disabled myself, I personally benefited. Comforting to know she’s in heaven with her daughter. She certainly earned her place.

Very sorry for your loss. June was a grand girl and a tireless advocate for those in need. We were unable to make the visitation. Kathy and Tom Dowd

Here is the photo I wanted to share. It is taken after Katie was given the green light to go home. Prayers are with all who loved Julie.

Julie gave me my first real job at being advocate. She taught me so much. I use her approach and commitment in all my work, every day. It was my privilege and great honor to work for her. The work she accomplished with Katie and Family Voices changed millions of lives. Thank you for everything, Julie. My family and I will cherish your memory forever.

Julie was a giant in the world of healthcare for those with special needs. I was well-acquainted with the Beckett family and treated Katie on occasion in our clinic and in the hospital. Julie helped to guide me in the intricacies of Katie’s medical needs but most importantly served to introduce a young physician to the importance of personal dignity and family centered care of those with disabilities. Her fierce advocacy made the lives of so many children and their families immeasurably...

I was sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Katie was a good friend of mine, and I was blessed to know to know both of them. My condolences to her family and close friends. I came across this press photo recently and thought it was a nice photo of Julie..and love the associated notation. I am sure you have this photo, but I hadn’t seen it and I want to remember her in that moment triumphant and strongwith so much life ahead.