Julia R. Sharnas

Julia Rachael Sharnas, age 52, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Medina, Ohio. She was born on November 18, 1971, in Willoughby, Ohio to parents Donald A. Graf (deceased) and Sandra Lee Brichford.
To those that knew Julie, she was many things. She was a Gap girl, always in the latest casual styles – most of the time in her favorite color, pink. In the summer, you would see her in her flip flops, Coach sunglasses, and a straw hat. In the winter it was Ugg boots, one of her hundreds of scarfs, and a knit hat. Add a stylish handbag and a North Face jacket and the look was complete. Julie was also an Aveda girl, worried that the gray would make its way into her beautiful brown hair – but only a couple were ever able to sneak through. Julie liked to be active. She was an athlete in high school, earning the MVP award as a pitcher in softball. She learned to golf and loved being out in nature getting lots of opportunities to hit the ball! As difficult as it was, she was still a Cleveland sports fan – cheering for the Browns, Indians, and Cavs. She tolerated going to Browns and Indians games but hated getting up early to get to the tailgates! The past few years she loved watching the Cavs play and Darius Garland was her favorite player, but only because Kevin Love left. Julie enjoyed having people over to hang out at 'Sue and Julie's Poolside Paradise'. She loved floating in the pool, surfing on the rafts, doing raft races, or just trying to get somebody wet doing a cannonball – although, that rarely worked because she was so small! She was so happy to see her canine kids, Marley and Gus, swimming laps in the pool chasing the ball, and her great nieces, Ev and Izzy, splashing in the water or sliding down the slide. In the cooler weather she would help entertain down in the basement at 'S&Js Just One More' pub. When it was her turn to pick a music video, it was always something by P!nk, her absolute favorite artist.
Julie worked at Progressive Insurance for over 33 years and loved her Progressive family. She enjoyed hanging out at 'Campus 3 Firehouse room' where you could find her playing darts and drinking a few Bud Light Limes. She often spoke fondly of those fun times when she was working from home full time after Covid. Julie wasn't much of a cook but couldn't wait to make a big pot of her Aunt Barb's famous spaghetti sauce with turkey meatballs every year. She enjoyed going out to her favorite Mexican and Italian restaurants but was happier at home eating meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn. When the meal was done, she was the one that cleaned up; she prided herself on keeping things clean and organized and was known for her ability to decorate a house so that it became a home. When it was time to relax, there was always a Hallmark movie to watch and 'Friends' was always on when it was time to go to sleep.
Julie loved animals most of all, especially her dogs. She showered them with the best food and treats and as much love as they could take. She will be reunited with Amy, Packy, Murphy, and Beau and sorely missed by Marley, her 'silver haired fox' and Gus, her 'pain in the butt'. Whatever their memory of Julie, she was loved by more people than she ever realized, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Julie is survived by her partner of 20 years, Sue Barto; her mother, Sandy Brichford; her stepmother, Susan Graf; her stepsister, Sarah Ishler (Kevin); her stepbrother, Jason Schumacher (Stacey); her ex-husband and dear friend, Darryl Sharnas; her aunt, Barb Brichford; her cousin, Amber D'Angelo; and multiple other aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of collected friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Julie's memory may be made to either of the following two animal shelters: Buckeye's Missions and Sanctuary, 4866 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, 330-460-6347 or to The Cleveland Animal Protective League,1729 Willey Ave #1, Cleveland, OH 44113, 216-771-4616.
A Celebration of Julie's Life will be held at a later date. Details will be updated on the funeral home website. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com