Julie Ann Mangan

Obituary of Julie Ann Mangan
Julie Ann Mangan, age 64, passed away suddenly at her home in Morris on Monday, August 5, 2024. Julie was born October 22, 1959, in Gibson City, IL to the late William and Agnes Mangan. She grew up outside of Strawn, IL on her family's farm. She graduated from Melvin-Sibley Community High School with the Class of 1978, and from there went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts from Illinois State University. After college, Julie proudly served her country as a member of the United States Army. While in the Army, Julie was stationed in Germany, and she greatly enjoyed her time
there. Following her service, she worked various jobs where her technical experience came in handy. Most recently she was employed for Minooka Community High School, where she worked for 17 years before retiring in 2019.
Julie loved nature and the arts, particularly photography, drawing, and painting. She would often take walks along the I&M Canal State Trail and capture the beauty of nature via her photographs. She also enjoyed playing guitar and working with her hands to express her creativity, including pin-and-thread art and macramé, among many others. Eventually, she moved on to larger projects, such as refinishing her own furniture and working in her garden.
She loved and cherished her family and friends, helping people whenever she could. She adored her daughter, Kristen, and her three grandchildren, Destiny, Sean, and Logan. She was so proud of them and treasured the time they spent together. They would often spend the night at their grandma's watching movies and making "on-top-of-the-stove" cookies. She had a teddy bear that they gave her that she always kept by her side, even when she spent time in the hospital.
She was a beautiful, joyful soul who enriched the lives of the people around her in many ways. She was a pleasure to talk with and always had a story to share whenever you saw her. She created so many memories that her family and friends will cherish forever.
Julie is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Alexander Neumann) Mangan; her grandchildren, Destiny Faison, Sean Faison, and Logan Mangan; her siblings, Margaret "Peg" (the late Bill) Decker, John Mangan, Kathleen Mangan, Paul (Diane) Mangan, Jane (Larry) Spray, and Penny Mangan; her nephews, Rob Mangan, Bill Spray, Jon Mangan, and Pete Bastounes; niece, Connie Spray; numerous great-nieces and great- nephews; sister-in-law, JoAnne Mangan; and dear friend, Betty Bender.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles "Chuck" Mangan; sister, Connie Mangan; and nephew, Christopher Spray.
All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Julie's life on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. U.S. Route 6, Morris, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m., when she will receive military honors conducted by the United States Army. A luncheon will follow beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Maria's
Ristorante Banquet Hall, 1591 N Division St, Morris. As it was her wish, cremation rites will follow, and Julie's remains will be buried alongside family at Strawn Cemetery at a later date. For more information, please call 815-942-5040, or to leave a condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.