Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Julianne Rocke Obituary
Julie was born in La Jolla, Calif., the youngest child of Martha and Harry Hall. Growing up, Julie spent summers at the YMCA camps her father ran, and enjoyed playing softball and riding horses. Art was always important to Julie; she started sketching from a young age. When she was 18, Julie and a close friend took a cross-country trip in a specially outfitted van, visiting all of the continental United States.
Julie attended the Art Center College of Design on a scholarship. Following college, Julie moved across the country to work as a fashion illustrator for runway shows in New York City, while supplementing her income waitressing at The Chuck Wagon in New Jersey.
Julie moved to Burlington, Vt., and managed an art store, while saving up for a trip to Guatemala. Julie ended up moving to Chimaltenango, Guatemala, and lived there for seven years, painting and drawing images of local life. While in Guatemala, Julie met her husband, Ken. They were married in 1981. Following their marriage, Julie and Ken moved to Heath, Mass., and in 1983, their daughter Maya was born.
Julie continued painting while living in Massachusetts. She taught art classes privately and at local schools, and was one of the founding members of the Shelburne Arts Co-op. Julie also illustrated a children's book, as well as a book of stories about Guatemala. She often remarked that she felt blessed that she was able to do the thing she loved most, create art, for all of her life.
Julie leaves behind her husband, Ken Rocke of Heath; daughter and son-in-law, Maya and Eric Jalbert of Everett, MA, brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave and Rose Hall of Fresno, CA, Marshall and Ginny Hall of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Sandra Hall of Park City, Utah, as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Julie was predeceased by her brother, Norman Hall, and by her parents. Julie made lifelong friends wherever she went and so leaves behind many, many friends from around the world.
Visiting hours will be at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, Mass., on Friday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Trinity Church on Severance Street in Shelburne Falls. A potluck reception will follow in the church recreation hall. All are welcome and encouraged to join us in remembering Julie's life.
Donations in Julie's name may be made to Behrhorst Partners for Development, which funds the Behrhorst Clinic in Chimaltenango, Guatemala:
http://www.behrhorst.org/home
The address for mailed donations is Dept. 116234,
P.O. Box 5211, Binghamton, NY 13902.
Please visit
www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com
to send messages of condolences to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julianne Rocke
Dirce Richards
September 30, 2013
Dear Ken and Maya,
I am sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to meet Julie, and I remember her sunny smile and sweet voice. Blessings to all.
Sarah Burke
September 26, 2013
Ken and Maya, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I think you know how much Julie meant to me as well, as such a special person throughout my childhood. Julie was such a kind, amazing and creative soul, and I feel lucky to have had my life touched by her. I will remember her always with so much love. She will be very dearly missed.
Maureen Flaherty
September 26, 2013
Julie was an incredibly sweet woman. I visited with her several times at the art studio of our mutual artist friend, Sandy Denis. So very sorry to learn of her death.
Judy (Kopecky) and Bill Opel
September 26, 2013
We are deeply saddened to hear of Julie's passing. I am the friend who traveled around the United States for 5 months with Julie in a refurbished 1948 Helm's Bakery truck. I am sending you Julie's journal of that trip. Even then, at age 18, Julie was fun and easy-going, had goals and dreams and worked diligently to make them happen, she was courageous and a woman of action and most of all a trustworthy and loyal friend. May you, Ken and Maya, find comfort and strength in your memories and from the outpouring of love from family and friends.
Leonard Walker
September 26, 2013
What a beautiful soul and beautiful lady. Her inner beauty and vision continues to grace the walls of all of us who have a piece of her art. But I was most blessed to have shared in her most loving hours at Maya's wedding with hands laid on her future grandchild. Then a day near the water and a sail boat ride with lobster and conversation and laughter. Truly a life well lived and a life that continues to give beauty and pleasure.
September 25, 2013
Ken, I have no words to express my thoughts and feelings when I read of Julie's passing. I can only send you my deepest warmest thoughts and prayers for your healing and strength in these days and weeks to come. Lots of healing hugs beth
Margaret Walker
September 25, 2013
I felt Julies warmth and sincerity in her calm and cheerful demeaner. I know she will be sorely missed by all. Sending love to her wonderful family who have always been part of ours since childhood.
Carol Star
September 25, 2013
Julie was a wonderful artist, I feel honored to have had her as a teacher and a friend. She was a very inspiring woman and she will always hold a special place in my heart. Julie you will be missed. To her family Ken and Maya, you have my deepest sympathy, love and prayers.
Lori Crean
September 25, 2013
Julie was such a wonderful woman. She was always so kind and pleasant. She so loved her "Groucho". I, for one will remember always for all her good deeds. My heart goes out to the family. We have lost a gifted soul for sure. May she rest in peace.I live in the same building where Julie's studio is and I will miss not seeing her arrive in her maroon buggy with windows down and radio blasting. Always smiling and never a bad word from her. She will be missed terribly by all hearts that were touched by her. Sincerely,
Lori
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Julianne Rocke's name
Memorial Events
for Julianne Rocke
Funeral services provided by:
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home - Shelburne Falls40 Church St, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
How to support Julianne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Julianne Rocke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
