Julia H. Smith

Julia H. Smith, née Harty, age 103, longtime resident of Skokie, died Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her residence. Devoted daughter of the late Francis J. and Julia, née McCoy, Harty, she was born May 28, 1922, in Maywood, IL. Julia was a retired Executive Secretary for IL Bell Telephone.

While raising her family in Skokie, she volunteered for many activities at St. Peter's Grammar School and served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years.

She was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, Post 320, where her husband, Jum, was an active member and a Past Commander.

Sewing was Julia's passion. She was an accomplished seamstress and frequently created various garments for her family, including dresses and shirts, in addition to providing tailoring and hemming.

She enjoyed playing golf at local courses and followed professional tournaments closely on television. She was also an avid NFL fan, with a particular devotion to the Chicago Bears.

As a member of the "Greatest Generation," she represented living history. She often shared reflections on growing up during the Great Depression, her patriotism during World War II, and the experience of raising her children during the post-war baby boom and the 1960s.

Julia consistently emphasized the importance of family, maintaining the motto that family members must always support one another. This value continues to resonate through her great-grandchildren.

Beloved wife of the late Jum; dear mother of Linda Quinn, Stephen Smith, and Donna (Robert) Ott; loving grandmother of Amy (Matthew) Herrman, Kelly (Jeff) Holmblad, Shana (Mike) Peronti, Christopher (Tiffany) Ott, the late Thomas Ott, and Brian (Marie) Ott; cherished great-grandmother of Blake and Brady Herrman, Julia, James and Charlotte Holmblad, Tyler, Jameson, and Grayson Peronti, and Westley Ott; fond sister of the late Genevieve Callaghan and Mary Jane Britton.

Visitation, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 1 p.m. until time of Prayer Service, 4 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.

Private Interment, All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org).

Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message.