Julia Bock Jessup

On Friday June 17th, my mother made her celestial journey to the heavens. To say that my mom will be missed by so many is a gross understatement. Quite honestly, most of us are still in shock and disbelief.
My mother was by far the hardest working woman I know. She spent most of her career as an elementary school teacher in Pennsville. She had a passion for science and was deeply invested in the success of her students. Her classroom was essentially morphed into a terrarium. She was blessed with a green thumb, a trait she shared strongly with my stepsister Rebecca. She retired as a principal with her sidekick Barb by her side. She adored her co-workers and felt truly blessed to work beside them.
Children don't come with instruction manuals, but my mom almost always got it right. My brother Stevie and I drove her absolutely bananas at times as kids often do. She loved and adored us and sacrificed so much to help us chase our dreams. My brother works for AC electric, myself a helicopter nurse for CHOP. The relentless work ethic she instilled in us made those dreams attainable. I have so many fond memories that bring a smile to my face. Her "attempting" to teach me how to drive stick shift in Clearview's parking lot was one for the books. We laughed so hard we cried as we peeled wheels and got air like we were in the DeLorean. She loved reliving these memories and sharing them with my husband Brandon.
She absolutely adored her grandchildren. Stevie's daughter Rylan Victoria, a talented dancer, she always looked forward to her recitals. Aubrey May impressed my mom with her brilliance, she's graduating High School a year early, an astounding accomplishment. Rebecca's son Isaac is funny, loving, and energetic and she loved trying to keep up with him. She also doted on her grand pups. Hazel a mischievous spaniel who is always into something. And Little P, who she called "Sherman" because he's built like a tank.
My mother was blessed to have the love of her life, her husband, Jessup by her side these last few years. He is her rock, and the only person she ever completely let her guard down around. They lived on a beautiful property in Virginia and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. His laugh is contagious, and she kept him on his toes. She was tiny, but mighty. She welcomed Jessup's children and their loved ones with open arms and loved them dearly. Steven & Sandy, Jacob & Russ, and Rebecca & Mark. We couldn't have asked for a better family to be a part of.
My mother is also survived by her sister Kathleen (Tom) DeHart. They shared a special bond full of sarcasm and love. Her nieces Tracy (Mike), and Julia (Bobbie) were a huge part of my mother's life. She considered them her daughters as well.
My mother was ecstatic about the stars, planets, and weather. Rebecca said the night my mother passed the star Vega was the most prominent star in the sky. Vega is the second-brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. Now we know where to look for her, especially on our darkest days.
I'll end with an Irish Blessing my mother enjoyed.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hands.