Julia Irene Kirsch

Julia Irene Kirsch, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2019 at age 64, she was originally given a probable life expectancy of up to one year. With the support of her family, faith, and guidance of her medical team, she tirelessly fought on for nearly six years so that she could meet each of her four grandchildren, three of whom were born after her diagnosis.

Born on January 20, 1955, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Julia grew up with seven brothers and sisters with whom she remained close throughout her life. She knew tragedy at an early age with the loss of her own mother just before her sixth birthday. This had a tremendous impact on the trajectory of her life, and it ultimately motivated her to be an extraordinary and dutiful mother to her own children.

She met the love of her life, Dave Kirsch, at the age of 14 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The couple graduated in 1973, wed in 1977, and founded DJK Properties in 1979. She was, in retrospect, a work-from-home pioneer as she handled all administrative responsibilities of managing 400 residential rentals while caring for her two young children. She frequently needed to remind them to “keep it down” while she fielded calls for broken kitchen sinks and empty apartment units. When her children transitioned to college and high school, she accepted a position in commercial real estate management with The Greenfield Group, where she worked for nearly 20 years.

Julia had an incredible talent for knowing the right thing to do in a difficult situation. She provided insightful advice to those who asked. She was blessed with a great laugh. Her inclusive spirit made others feel at ease, and she created an environment where everyone felt welcomed. She was sweet, calm, soothing, upbeat, agreeable without being a pushover, and fiercely protective of her family.

Gatherings with family and friends were a source of immense joy, whether they were long-planned cruises or impromptu Sunday picnics by the pool with best friends Janis and Phil Kelsey. Julia was known for her culinary skills, often delighting her loved ones with her famous meatballs, tuna dip, chili, cookies, and birthday cakes. She took great pride in meticulously planning Thanksgiving and Christmas menus. Inspired by their mother’s example, both of her children continue to implement her lessons in the kitchen. She also enjoyed swimming, exercising, and taking walks with her beloved dogs.

In facing significant health challenges, Julia exhibited remarkable strength. Despite undergoing three brain surgeries, numerous rounds of radiation, and over a year of chemotherapy, she never lost her spirit. Her resilience inspired many, and she continued to push through each day, embodying grace in adversity. Her absence leaves a huge void in the hearts of her family and friends.

Julia is survived by her devoted husband, Dave F. Kirsch; her loving daughter, Christine Ardito; son-in-law, Eric Ardito; her loving son, David A. Kirsch; and daughter-in-law, Courtney Kirsch. Her grandchildren, Madelyn, Juliana, Wesley, and Bennett, adored her and will carry forward the love and lessons she imparted. She is also survived by five of her siblings and their spouses, Bill Harber, Karen Harber, Suzanne Cantville, Covey Cantville, Cathy Harber, Sharon Frascella, Mary Grace, and Patrick Harber as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother, Norma Harber; her father, Tom Harber; her step-mother, Catherine Harber; her brothers, John Harber and Tommy Harber; and her best friend, Janis Kelsey. Julia’s legacy of love, strength, and kindness will be profoundly missed by her family, who take comfort in knowing she is now a guardian angel watching over them.

As we remember Julia Irene Kirsch, we celebrate a life devoted to family, friendship, and an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire us every day.