Julie Thomas

My deepest condolences to your family and friends. I have such fond memories of you, Jenny and Richie playing in your mom´s daycare or bowling at one of Richie´s birthday parties. And then watching as you grew into a lovely, strong woman who fought so bravely to get back to her family. But now the fight is over and you can rest in peace. You will be missed.

I haven't been able to find the right words to say for a few days.

Julie Taylor Thomas and I met in HS Spanish class my freshman year. That class was one of my favorites, and Julie was always so bubbly and friendly. Little did I know that our paths would cross again when my first child started Kinder at Garvy. I decided to attend my first PTA meeting, which turned out to be a pretty hostile experience due to certain topics. In the middle of the chaos, I noticed Julie sitting next to me. I couldn't believe she was there! She waved excitedly and smiled, and it calmed me instantly. We were so excited to find that we were in the same neighborhood and school.

After the meeting, she explained to me that in an environment like that it is so important to find your community. Julie became my first experience of community there that day. She ran me thru all of the processes and helped me as a first-time grammar school parent. Her boys were older, and she knew the ropes. I enjoyed seeing her smiley face every day at pick ups and she always looked out for my kids there. She gave me advice numerous times. She was the type to help open car doors at drop off. She was so involved and wanted the best for her boys. A friend of mine and I were reminiscing about her, and she told me that one day she overheard her telling one of her boys at drop off "make sure that you say something nice to someone today!"

One of my favorite memories is her texting me to let me know that Ryan wasn't wearing his coat. He didn't really know who she was, so it was hysterical that she walked up to him to tell him "Hey Ry...put your coat on...Mom would want that." We giggled at the fact that he had unknown eyes watching him. It probably freaked him out.

When I had my hysterectomy, Julie reached out the same day sending me a gift card for Kevin and I to order food. It touched my heart. I wanted to thank her and she said no need. I wanted to make her something and begged her to allow me to. I asked her what her favorite color was, and she said yellow like sunshine. I thought that was so fitting for her. So I made her a shawl.

I feel so fortunate that I got to give her one last hug last April. She had so many fond memories of HS and right away asked me about my kids. It makes me so sad and angry that she has been taken so young.

My heart is broken for her family, her boys, and everyone that loved her. It brings me comfort to know that I was so privileged to have known her and experience her friendship. I promise to pay her sweetness forward.

RIP Julie. I will miss you.

I lasting impressions of Julie are of laughing with her at work - and whole-hearted passion for things. I'm so very sorry to hear she's gone.

Our last birthday spent together. 1-4-2026. I wouldn´t have wanted to be anywhere else that day but hanging out with you in the hospital watching football on our day!! I´ll still celebrate for you ( and John) every year .

Don´t worry Julie. We´ve all got your boys
(Dan too). Rest easy now. You fought long and hard. For a long time.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.