Julia Howell

1983 - 2022

Julia Howell, born May 4, 1983 in Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully at her home at Bickford's Healthcare Center at the age of 38 on January 6, 2022. For 32 years she struggled with Type 1 diabetes, multiple hemorrhagic strokes, and other complications. She fought an uphill battle with strength, courage and good old stubbornness, however in the end the disease won out. From a young age she showed determination and at the age of 14 Julia was awarded the Girl Scout Silver Award. She had a love for reading and writing poetry, graduating from Enfield High School in 2001. Star Island was her spirit's home, a special place visited yearly by her family for 26 years and counting. Although she was only able to attend a few times in the early years, she lived vicariously through family each summer. She was a member of the Enfield Congregational Church for most of her life and actively participated in youth group. A stroke in her early 20's took away her ability to speak, eat orally, and walk, leading her to need adaptive equipment and support staff to continue living in the community. Through the blessings of Goodwill Services, she was provided this opportunity to live independently with help, and spent her happiest years living her life in her apartment. In 2011 Julia was awarded Goodwill's Consumer of the Year. This award recognized the successful transition she made from residential living to independent living, joining her family in the community and living life according to her own goals. She found pleasure in shopping and watching movies from the comfort of her home and even more joy watching her nieces and nephew grow. Her nieces and nephew were something that gave her purpose, and a reason to battle on every day. She was the light in the life of so many of her caregivers and taught people how to treat everyone with dignity and respect, even when they may not look or act as expected. Julia is survived by her parents, Douglas Howell and Cynthia Chapin-Howell, her sister Sara Garthwait (Howell), her husband Michael Garthwait, and their two children Madelyn and Samuel Garthwait. She is also survived by her brother Eric Howell, his wife Alexa Howell (Fiorini), and their two children Vivian and Beatrix Howell. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at a later date to be announced by her family. The family is asking for donations in Julia's memory be made to one of the following: The Star Island UCC Scholarship Fund, Goodwill Services, or Enfield Congregational Church Endowment Fund, organizations near and dear to Julia and the family. SIUCC Scholarship Fund C/O Carolyn Kerr 169 Portsmouth St., Unit 98, Concord, NH 03301 Goodwill ABI Residential: 165 Ocean Terrace Bridgeport, CT 06605 Enfield Congregational Church Endowment Fund 1295 Enfield St. Enfield, CT 06082. To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com