Julia M. Deptula

DEPTULA, JULIA (Julie) M., November 18, 1920-October 17, 2004. Widow of Major Vincent Deptula (U.S. Army), former 45 yr. resident of Hialeah FL and 4 yr resident of Austin TX where Julie peacefully accepted the awaiting arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday October 17th while surrounded with love. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she met Vincent while he was involved in establishing the Puerto Rican Dept. of the Army and she worked at the Army's Post Exchange. They married, and when circumstances permitted, Julie accompanied him on his various assignments abroad and in the United States. Upon Major Deptula's retirement in the mid 1950's, the couple chose Hialeah FL as their place to settle and raise their 3 children. Julie's early years in Hialeah focused on her husband, children and religion. She was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church; volunteering her time and language skills to its fledgling parochial school and Church sponsored events. For nearly thirty years, Julie worked in sales for Jackson/Byrons, Richards Dept. Store and lastly, Burdines. She was chosen Top Sales Associate for over 20 consecutive years & received numerous recognitions throughout her career for her high standards and dedication. Julie's coworkers admired & remember her charisma and ethics; loyal customers still recall the personal & joyful attention she willingly provided. After full retirement, Julie did volunteer work at Palm Springs General Hospital and continued to be an asset to the neighbors of her apartment complex by assisting with childcare, offering consolation or a listening ear, sharing her own deliciously prepared meals, and interpreting/ translating for management & newcomers. Never having learned to drive, Julie was an avid walker. She can still be pictured walking throughout Hialeah and is remembered as the beautiful lady with the twinkling eyes and radiant smile who was a devoted wife and mother. Always believing in family, Julie requested that after the Lord had accepted her soul, her body be returned to Puerto Rico "to be near" her parents, brother and sisters who predeceased her. Major Vincent Deptula met, romanced, loved and married Julia Maria Alvarez in Puerto Rico, his ashes will accompany her on the journey from Texas to their Island of Enchantment. Private services were held at Ehret Funeral Home in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on October 22, 2004 immediately followed by interment at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery. Survivors: daughters Jeannie Kirkham/Tamarac FL and Dinah (Bill) Flood/ Austin TX; son Geary (Fran) Deptula/Crofton MD. The following family members reside in Puerto Rico: brother Salvador (Petri) Alvarez; sisters Socorro Roman & Virginia Alvarez. Julie & Vincent's grandchildren: Robert V. Kirkham/Sunrise FL; Karla (Rob) Powell/W. Palm Beach FL; Alan Alexander III/Athens GA; Stephen Alexander, Shannon Flood & Mark Flood all of Austin TX; Peter, Lana, Sasha, Gregory & Nicholas Deptula all of Crofton MD. Great-grandchildren: Cameron & Patrick Powell/W. Palm Beach FL; Kayla & Courtney Kirkham/ Palm City FL. Julie's vast number of nieces, nephews, cousins and next generation thereof reside in Puerto Rico, the contiguous United States & throughout the world."DUERME CON LOS ANGELITOS" Memorial contributions may be sent to: Julie's Foundation Fund c/o Jonea Raney, Allways Care LLC, PO Box 151207, Austin TX or Alzheimer Assoc Research Fund, (Honoring Julie Deptula, Key West Cove, Austin TX) 225 N. Michigan Ave. #1700, Chicago IL 60601-7633 Jeannie, Dinah and Geary extend heart-filled gratitude to Mom's relatives and longtime friends for their visits, phone calls, gifts or correspondence throughout her illness. All of these acts were sprinkled with loving concern, support, thoughtfulness, understanding and loyalty. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.