Julia A. "Julie" Kolashuk

1/26/1938 - 8/18/2025

Oakdale – Julia "Julie" A. Kolashuk, 87, passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at her home where she lived, welcomed family and friends, raised children, read books, baked approximately 2,000 loaves of her famous bread, and rooted for the Red Sox for 65 years.

Born Jan. 26, 1938, in Norwich, Julie was the daughter of Herbert and Helen (Baldyga) Bradford and the older sister of Herbert and Peter Bradford, who all predeceased her.

A graduate of NFA's Class of 1956, Julie and her high school sweetheart, Gregory Kolashuk, were married May 4, 1957, at St. John's Church in Montville after being brought together by Greg's quick thinking and a last-minute seating arrangement on the bus during a CYO trip. Through the years, Julie and Greg remained active in their Catholic faith at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, where Julie served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Council, and Religious Education teacher.

Outside of church, Julie loved playing cards and bingo, getting together with family, watching baseball and UConn Women's basketball games, and spending time with her many friends. She worked at the polls, disregarded the speed limit, and cared for generations of family members during her lifetime. Julie's remarkable affection for children was evident in her decades-long tenure as babysitter/bus stop for many Montville kids before and after school. Her unique blend of humor, compassion, practicality, and lovable impatience will be sorely missed.

Julie is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Gregory Kolashuk and their family; sons, Gary Kolashuk (Debbie) and Michael Kolashuk (Danielle); and daughter, Kathy Santacroce (Alan); along with five grandchildren, Holly Goggin (John), Kristine Masis, Mathew, Jack, and Joe Kolashuk; and four great-grandchildren, Arianna and Samantha Masis, and Julia and Nathan Goggin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at Our Lady of the Lakes Church at 752 Norwich-Salem Turnpike in Oakdale. Burial to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Uncasville.

Please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com for full obituary and to leave condolences or share a memory.