Julia Elizabeth Kelly

Julia Elizabeth Kelly, a beacon of creativity and love, passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 42, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 21, 1981, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Julia's vibrant spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to all who knew her. She departed this world in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.
Julia's journey through life was marked by her passion for art and her unwavering dedication to her family. She was the beloved wife of Justin Kelly and the cherished mother of two daughters, Evelyn and Vivian. Her parents, Michael and Susan Smegal, her sister, Maria Stanley, and a close-knit circle of friends and relatives, survive her. Julia's presence in their lives was a source of constant warmth and inspiration.
A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Julia earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, a field where she excelled and left her mark. She began working as a server at O'Donovans in Minneapolis, where she honed her people skills and developed lifelong friendships. After moving to Austin, TX, Julia's creative talents flourished as a Graphic Designer at GAFRI and later as the Creative Marketing Director at MGAM/Everi. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Julia Kelly Design, where she freelanced and shared her vision with the world. Julia's artistry was further recognized when she took on the role of Art Director at The Label Collective, where her innovative designs and leadership were greatly admired.
Julia's interests were as diverse as her talents. She was an avid art enthusiast, font purist, and a member of AIGA Austin. She had a particular love for travel, embracing all things Irish, like Graham Norton and playing Gaelic Football for the Celtic Cowboys. Her passion for sci-fi television and movies was well-known, with favorites like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Trek, especially the performances of Sir Patrick Stewart. Julia also cherished the moments spent watching Twilight with her daughters, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
An excellent cook and baker, Julia found solace in the kitchen, where she crafted her famous soups and shared them with friends and family. Her love for sports was evident in her support for the Minnesota Vikings and Manchester United (much to Justin's dismay), which she followed with enthusiasm.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Julia Elizabeth Kelly will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on through her family, her friends, and the countless lives she enriched. Her journey on this earth was a testament to the power of love, creativity, and laughter.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Harrell Funeral Home of Austin.
A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday in the Harrell Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Texas Oncology Foundation (https://texasoncologyfoundation.org/) or Hospice Austin (https://www.hospiceaustin.org/)