Julie McGuire

Julie McGuire passed away peacefully as she slept at home on September 24th,2025 with both her sons by her side. Julie was 95 years old. Born in Detroit Michigan on June 30th, 1930 to John and Helen Baggi, she was the 3rd child of six brothers and sisters, John Jr. Helen, Elizabeth, Jim and Sandy. Julie married Gene McGuire in the summer of 1950 and they began their wonderful journey.
Gene and Julie were introduced by friends by chance at their local dance hall. Gene had done his duty in the Navy and returned home to Detroit. Julie freshly graduated high School and enjoying young adulthood. Their friendship grew and blossomed into a wonderful marriage of 65 years until Genes passing in 2016.
Gene and Julie spent the first 10 years of their marriage in Detroit. Her entire family lived close by. Christmases were epic. They saved and bought a spec house in a new neighborhood across the street from Cody High School. They had two sons, Michael and Sean. It was idyllic, a community of young families with lots of kids around, endless pot luck dinners and bridge parties.
Gene climbed the corporate ladder and it required the family to pack up and move. First to Smoke Rise, New Jersey. The change made us all grow, new things, new times, and new friends. All this time Julie was the rock of family, always making sure the home was our safe space. All told, the family moved 5 times. From New Jersey to Mansfield Ohio, back to New Jersey, back to Ohio, then to Ripon Wisconsin then finally to Libertyville Illinois. Julie always making the Home feel just right and as it was meant to be. Fearless and eager for the new adventure.
Julie worked. Mostly part time to help support the family but mostly because she couldn't stay idle. Early in the marriage she worked evening shift at Champion Spark Plugs in Detroit. They bought a second car. She also spent time showing Real Estate, was Nurses assistant at a local hospital in New Jersey, worked with troubled children in Mansfield, and was a manager of a Chandlers Office Supply store in Libertyville. That being said she was always happiest caring for her home and family.
Julie was an athlete. She was an avid Golfer, often frustrating her Husband with her straight drives down the middle of the fairway. Even late in life she would like rolling putts on the living room carpet with her son. Gripping a 3 iron in her hands made her smile.
Julie liked her pets. She pick out Cindy Lou, a Shetland Sheep dog, perfect for a young family with boys. Next was Skeeter, a Greyhound, go figure, I think she considered him more of a roommate than a pet. She let a German Shepard named Leatherneck for a while without batting an eyelash. Then her favorite was a stray cat she named Katie, but the family all called her Booger. Booger followed Julie all over the house waiting for the chance to fall asleep in her lap.
She was a traveler despite loving the home life. She made it to Europe a few times, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico. She made it to a World Series in LA, a Super Bowl in New Orleans, and Broadway Plays in New York City.
Julie always put the needs of others before her, never once complaining. She enjoyed having her Mother Helen live in her home for many years. Julie cared for her until her passing at home. Her Mother in-law Emmaline McGuire came to live with us toward the end of her life. Julie cared for her until her passing at home. Likewise, her beloved Husband Gene came home and she cared for him till he passed on, at peace and at home. She once told me "that is what Homes are for'.
Julie is survived by her sons, Michael K. McGuire of Libertyville and Sean C. McGuire and his wife Kristi McGuire of Southlake, Texas. She also has a little sister Sandra Taylor and her Husband Dave Taylor of Turtletown, Tennessee.
A poem I once read applies, "God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be found, So He put his arms around you and whispered "Come with Me". With tearful eyes we watched you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay."
Julie McGuire was a beautiful woman full of the Grace of God with the Heart of a Lion, never complained a day in her life even when things got difficult. Given six months to live, she came Home and lived two and half years. She met me every morning with a smile, we would sing one of her songs while we got ready for the day. "I love you, a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck ", making sure I would smile. It always will.
Someday the family will get together, I'll bring photos and home movies. For now, just remember her fondly. She would want you to know she thought of you often and that she was happy To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julie, please visit our floral store.