Julie Hammond Blackmun

Julie Hammond Blackmun entered this world on June 30, 1934. She left us to be with Jesus on October 1, 2024. Born to Lynn A. Hammond and Julia K. Hammond, Julie had two older sisters, Mary (Bruce Nowell) and Zeta (Don McMichael). She is survived by her older brother Lynn (Norma) and her younger sister Jill (Jim Brown). The Hammond siblings enjoyed growing up on a horse farm in Cherry Hills where they rode and helped care for their horses, played a variety of musical instruments, and kept themselves entertained. Their mom Julia was famous for her fine needlework, cinnamon rolls and Swedish Kiflins.

At Denver South High, Julie thrived in the social nature of things. She joined the Future Teachers of America, the yearbook staff as Feature Editor, the International Relations Club, and the Pep Club where membership required a "C" average and a posture test. She was also a member of the Rifle Club and became an Honorary Captain in the R.O.T.C.

Highlights from the University of Colorado Boulder included becoming a member of Delta Gamma and meeting her husband Frederick W. Blackmun. They married just before their senior year and later divorced after more than three decades together raising their five children: Scott Anderson Blackmun (Ann Eyen), Paula Lynn Blackmun (deceased), Jeffrey Hammond Blackmun (deceased), Tricia Blackmun Koff (Jonathan), and Dorothy Lanham Blackmun (Peter Kayafas). She must have ascribed to the Blackmun plan that year as she became a proud member of Mortar Board which recognizes college seniors for scholarship, leadership and service. The Blackmun plan was a simple formula: 8 hours work, 8 hours of play and 8 hours of sleep.

Julie was fierce in her love of family. She made our childhoods fun, adventurous and magical. Birthdays were particularly special. Holidays were anticipated, decorated with fervor and sprinkled with fairy dust. She was a kid at heart who inspired and injected fun where she could. We especially loved not-so-sick "sick days". This was when we'd play hooky from school to do something like swim in the tennis club whirlpool and go to Wrigley Field.

When the grandchildren arrived, they enjoyed grandmother trips, tea parties in the closet, overnights listening to Aunt Gert stories, and magic drinks made with warm green jello served in a fanciful glass. Over the years, those magic drinks evolved into green apple martinis, and the parties continued. Grandchildren include Scott and Ann's children: Lauren J. Blackmun, Grace A. Blackmun, Benjamin W. Blackmun; Jeff and Melissa's son Gunnar H. Blackmun; and Tricia and Jonathan's sons Harrison M. Koff and Jason H. Koff.

Life was not always easy. There were times when she had to dig deep finding courage and dignity, showing up with grit and grace. Her faith always brought her home and helped her to share or lay down burdens too great. A long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, Julie was a woman of faith. She loved her church and its community and had what she deemed "her seat" up front. When it became physically difficult to go to church in person, she enjoyed Sunday services from home on her computer or tv.

"Friends are the family you choose with your heart." She would often remark how real friendships took serious work just like a beautiful garden. Julie enjoyed a uniquely wild and glorious bunch of friends her entire life. Many of these women she found right in the neighborhood. She also actively sought people out, drawing them into her circle. Julie would engage every person that crossed her path with genuine interest and kindness.

Unlike her own mother, she was not shy about offering up her thoughts and opinions. In fact, she was quick to share on a matter. Still, she loved unconditionally and never dismissed your chosen path ...while offering a few more thoughts on the matter.

Over the years, Julie volunteered for lots and lots of different organizations. Her involvement with New Born Hope was particularly close to her heart. She loved playing golf, jumping into the sometimes chilly pool at the Broadmoor with the Aqua Babes, hosting bridge, attending Bible Study and of course ...entertaining! There was always a reason to have friends gather for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails: Birthday parties, Holiday parties, Super Bowl parties, even Royal Weddings (wearing jewel tone robes and paper crowns). She was a huge sports fan. She loved the movies. She also loved getting lost in her book. It was near impossible to share a book with her that she hadn't read.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs on Wednesday, November 6, at 1:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs (firstprescos.org).