Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews, 72, of Rochester, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Saint Marys Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Born Dec. 18, 1941, in Syracuse, N.Y., to Heber and Leora (Goff), Julie grew up on beautiful Cazenovia Lake. She graduated from Ohio University and was offered a Fulbright scholarship to study in Vienna, Austria. Julie was an accomplished violinist. While in Vienna, she was asked to fill in a seat with the orchestra. She soon became First Chair of the violin section.

Julie started her career with American Airlines in the promotions dept. Fluent in several languages, she was sent to cities worldwide to promote American and air travel in general. Next, she worked for the State Department in Virginia. The job required that she get a complete physical exam at the Mayo Clinic. While here, she went to pray at Calvary Episcopal Church. The Lord told her to "Move to Rochester and open a needlework shop." She opened her shop "How Clever" in the Kahler Hotel. She sold needlework and taught classes. More importantly, the shop became a haven for families of clinic patients who needed a diversion. She met and befriended many, both rich and poor, famous and not. She treated all with respect, kindness and a dose of her positive attitude and enthusiasm, which helped heal their hearts, if not their bodies. She would spend weekends at Assisi Heights teaching the Sisters of St. Francis needlepoint and sharing fellowship.

Recognizing the need for Hospice care, she became a hospice volunteer. She earned her Masters degree in counseling in order to provide more care. She did many overnights with sick patients for 20 years. During this time, she launched her Real Estate career. This allowed her to continue with hospice while helping people in a more fun positive way. Julie was associated with various agencies, but spent most of her years with Coldwell Banker at Your Service Realty. Always a great promoter, many will remember her billboard on North Broadway with her white German Shepherd and the slogan "We Are Both House Trained!" She also loved a good joke, prank or stunt and was involved in many.

Julie loved animals, and she loved Calvary Episcopal. She served on the Altar Guild and organized the group that made the Needlepoint Kneelers which are still in the church. As each kneeler was finished, Julie helped stitch that woman's initials into her kneeler. She recently mentioned she was the last living member of that team.

Julie loved children. She helped raise friends' kids and was the "aunt" in her neighborhood. In retirement, she continued volunteering. Each year during Easter (dressed as a rabbit) and Thanksgiving (as a turkey) she visited Ronald MacDonald house and hospital wards to cheer up children and families. Her "Swan Song" as a turkey was last Thanksgiving. In failing health, she needed a crutch on her tour. When children asked about the crutch, she said "Hey, even turkeys get sick and need surgery!"

All who knew her will remember her generosity, positive attitude, effervescence and unmistakable laugh.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents and numerous well-loved cats and dogs.

A special thanks to the staff at Mayo Clinic — especially to those at Saint Marys Joseph 7 for the care and comfort provided her in her final days.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church. A reception will follow the service.

Memorials are preferred to Calvary Episcopal Church or Safe Haven Pet Rescue.

Online thoughts and wishes at: julieandrewsmn@yahoo.com.