Julia E. "Julie" Sexton

Julia E. "Julie" (Puff) Sexton, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully, with family by her side, on Saturday afternoon, June 17, 2023, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha. Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Aug. 3, 2023, at St. Pius Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with Rev. Jon M. Seda officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 3, 2023, at the church. Graveside Service: 4 p.m. Aug. 3, 2023, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa. Final Resting Place: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa. Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein, is assisting the family. Memorials may be directed to St. Pius X Catholic Church or the Catherine McAuley Center. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com. Julia "Julie" Elizabeth Puff was born on March 13, 1940, in Oelwein, Iowa, the third of seven children born to Alfred James and Mary Catherine (Nolan) Puff. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Oelwein. After high school, Julia was employed at the Independence Bell Telephone Office and later decided to pursue a career in business, which led her to Omaha Business College. Following completion of the program, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she lived for 13 years. During this time, she worked for the Intelligence branch of the U.S. Marine Corps as a civilian during the Cuban Missile Crisis and at the Offices of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pacific and Southeast Asia Branch during the Vietnam Conflict. Julia later returned to Iowa and settled in Cedar Rapids where she worked at People's Bank. Julia was united in marriage to Robert James "Bob" Sexton on Feb. 19, 1977, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Julia joined Bob's family, including his children, Barbara and William "Bill." Julia was an active member of St. Pius Catholic Church, Associate of the Sisters of Mercy, a Lifetime Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Member and a hospice volunteer. Her passion for serving others continued as a private, in-home caretaker for seniors, as well as children of families near and dear to her heart. She was affectionately called "Nanny" by those children and some of her great-nieces and -nephews. Her compassion, kindness, empathy, and respect were evident in all of her caretaking. Julia will be fondly remembered by those who loved her for her deep faith, Irish wit, late-night phone calls, beautiful singing voice, and her strong opinions. Left to honor Julia's memory are her two brothers: Dr. Mike Puff of Oelwein and John Puff of Oelwein; daughter, Barbara Sexton of Ankeny; son, William (Kris) Sexton of Ankeny; three grandchildren, Matthew (Eden) Sexton of Altoona, Molly Sexton (Brad Jackson) of Des Moines and Nathaniel (Victoria) Wilder of England; great-grandson, Tristan Wilder of England; sister-In-law, Mary Jo Puff of Oakwood, Ga.; godson/nephew, Mike (Bobbie) O'Loughlin of Independence; godson/great-nephew, John "Jack" McDonough of Oelwein; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and her many wonderful friends. Julia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob on March 5, 2001; two brothers, Thomas "Tom" Puff and Richard "Dick" Puff; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and James "Jim" O'Loughlin; and an infant sister, Catherine Marie Puff. Julia did not strictly define family by blood and considered many of her friends as family. She especially wanted to thank those of you who helped her during her extensive health journey. The family would like to thank Dr. Anthony and JoEllen Leo for their unending guidance and support. Also, thank you to Dr. Carlos Chan, Dr. Cameron Campbell, Dr. Trisha Sheeley, Dr. Jasmine Nabi, Mercy Hospital, the staff of the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center for their excellent medical care, and the staff of the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Mercy Hospice House for their compassionate care.