Julia Sterner Shackleford

Julia Sterner Shackleford passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, in Lake Forest, Illinois. Born on July 26, 1927, in Washington, DC, to Charles James and Grace Cherry Sterner, she grew up in Arlington, Virginia, the youngest of four. Julia's life was a testament to her dedication to family, faith, music and community service.
A graduate of Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, class of 1945, her early career was marked by her role as a secretary for Trans World Airlines (TWA), followed by a position at the University of Virginia. On December 27, 1950, she married the love of her life, Covington Shackleford, at St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA. Together, they embarked on an adventure that saw their family grow and thrive, starting in Detroit, MI in 1954 followed by moves to Madison, NJ and Wilton, CT - ultimately settling in Lake Forest, IL in 1976. They were married for 51 years until his passing in 2002.
A proud mother, Julia leaves behind a legacy through her children: Margaret (Tighe) Magnuson, Covington Shackleford Jr., Elizabeth (Ronald) Bernardi, and Julie Ann (David) Ariano; as well as her cherished grandchildren: Emily (Thomas Harty) Magnuson, William (Lisa) Magnuson, Elizabeth (Mark) Shaw, Daniele Shackleford, Lorena (William) Lance eld, Matthew (Kristi) Bernardi, Thomas (Catherine) Bernardi, Luke Bernardi, Joseph Ariano, and CJ Ariano; and also 17 great-grandchildren. Each family member was touched by her empathetic and generous spirit.
Julia's passion for the arts, especially music, resonated throughout her life. A lifelong choral singer, she lent her proud alto voice to church and secular choirs until the age of 91. A committed chorister at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, she lived by the motto "those who sing pray twice." Her additional contributions to the church included serving on the Vestry, the Altar Guild, and the Mission and Outreach committee, with a focus on the Church's Missions Possible Bookstore.
Her dedication to supporting and empowering others was evident through her involvement with PEO, Chapter KV, where she served as president and championed scholarships and educational opportunities for women. Julia also served on the Residents Council and various committees at Lake Forest Place, and she was a member of the League of Women Voters, volunteering in voter registration efforts. Her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) underscored her commitment to history and civic responsibility.
A voracious reader, Julia also found joy in the performing arts as a season ticket holder of the Chicago Symphony and the Lyric Opera.
Julia Sterner Shackleford will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing
her, and her in uence will continue to resonate in the lives of her family.
Her family wishes to warmly thank her wonderful caregiver Tika Morales, as well as the staff
at Lake Forest Place.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster Road., Lake Forest, Illinois. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchoftheHolySpirit.
In lieu of owers, contributions may be made to the Mission and Outreach fund at The Church of the Holy Spirit online at https://onrealm.org/chslf/give/shack or to the PEO – Educational Loan Fund, c/o P.E.O. Executive Office -Treasurer, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or online at https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/educational-loan-fund/ - Note: In memory of Julia Shackleford, Chapter KV/IL.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors at (847)
234-9649 or www.RT.Funerals.com.