Julie Rhodes-Purvis

1959 - 2017

Old Saybrook - Julie Rhodes-Purvis, 58, died surrounded by her family at Middlesex Hospital on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Julie was born on May 18, 1959, in Hartford, the daughter of the late Elton and Dorothy Rhodes. A lifelong resident of Old Saybrook, she graduated from Old Saybrook Senior High School in 1977 and from Connecticut College in 1982. She spent a year teaching English in Osaka, Japan and hosted students at her home in Connecticut over the years.

She established her home on the original farmland of her grandparents, where she was able to keep horses and continue her passion for riding. An early childhood education major, her love for children led her to open My Second Home Preschool in Old Saybrook, where she was the owner and director for nearly 30 years. She loved spending family vacations in Englewood, Fla., where her parents had a winter home.

Above all, she was dedicated to her four children. In her short life, her kids were her sole reason for living, giving, for loving. They meant the world to her. She was gentle, selfless, patient and a friend to all.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Purvis and fiancée, Joe Couture, of Waterford, Marilyn Purvis of Conshohocken, Pa., Elton Purvis of New Haven and Margaux Purvis of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; her husband of 30 years, Gerald Purvis of Old Saybrook; sister, Lisa Rhodes of Old Saybrook; brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Lynne Rhodes of Old Saybrook; nephew, Clayton Morell of Naples, Fla.; nieces, Nicole Rhodes of Tampa, Fla. and Lauren Rhodes of High Point, N.C.; as well as many other loving extended family members.

Julie's loving and generous spirit will continue to touch the lives of others and their families. It was her desire to donate her body to the Yale Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Memorial donations may be made to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Inc., 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

Information on a celebration of Julie's life will be released in the near future.

Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To sign the online guestbook go to www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.