Juli Shea Towell

Juli Shea Towell, age 91, of Maplewood NJ died suddenly on August 1, 2025.

Juli was born on November 25, 1933, in New York City, NY to the late George E. Shea Jr. and the late Doris Luetkemeyer Shea. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, S. Gilmer Towell with whom she shared 64 years of marriage.

Juli was a graduate of The Brearley School and went on to earn her degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1955. After dedicating herself to raising her family, she pursued a successful career as a principal at the consulting firm Marshall, Towell and Emerson.

Deeply committed to service, Juli was an active volunteer throughout her life. Her work included years of active involvement with Christ Church in Short Hills. She was a board member of General Theological Seminary in NYC. Juli was a founding member of the following organizations: Apostles' House, the Episcopal Parish Network, Interweave, The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, and All The Way Up. Most recently, she served as president of the Residents Association of Winchester Gardens in Maplewood, NJ.

Juli was widely known and admired for her brilliant mind, her deep sense of compassion, and her extraordinary ability to listen and bring people together in consensus. Her presence, wisdom, and leadership left a lasting legacy in every community she touched.

Juli is survived by her daughter Jennifer Towell Smith and husband Christopher VB Smith, and son, Geoffrey Gilmer Towell and wife Elizabeth C. Towell. She was the cherished grandmother of Alissa A. Smith-Comstock, Nicholas VB Smith, Elizabeth Smith Madison, Devon Towell Fish and Sydney E. Towell. Her four great-grandchildren brought her special joy. In addition, she is survived by her brother George E. Shea III and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her deep, loving commitment to her family and community, Juli was an avid collector of Native American pottery, a veracious reader and loved needlepoint, quilting and knitting.

A memorial service will be held Saturday October 4, 2025, at 11a.m at Christ Church in Short Hills, 66 Highland Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church in Short Hills and to the Winchester Gardens Resident Association Scholarship Fund for staff members, in Maplewood, NJ.