Julia Casey

Julia Casey

Julia Casey died on Monday October 28, 2024, at Ebeid Hospice of NW Ohio. She was kind, loving, generous, loyal, spiritual, caring, funny, fearless, and brilliant. She was a doting mother, foster mother, and a dedicated wife.

She was a writer, a poet, a musician, a dancer, a singer, and an avid reader.

She had an incredible sense of humor, and was a wonderful storyteller; often holding court while in her bed.

She was courageous in fighting the battle with her long-term Multiple Sclerosis disease.

Born in Rochester, New York, Julia moved as an infant to Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up along the Alabama border in West Point, Georgia.

She attended high school at Westminster, in Atlanta, started college at Carlton College in Minnesota, and received her Bachelor's Degree in anthropology from the University of Washington. She graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law as valedictorian.

Her first legal job was working for Robert Kaplan, learning the ropes and ethics of being a lawyer; a standard that she maintained throughout her career.

In 1975, she and Sheldon Slaybod, who would later become her husband, established the law firm of Casey and Slaybod. Their early practice focused on criminal and civil rights law. As the years went by, the focus of the partnership transitioned to family law and appellate law.

Rich or poor, Julia represented her clients zealously, often taking their cases pro bono. She especially enjoyed representing children and protecting their interests.

She served on the board of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) for many years, was a founding member of the Toledo Women's Bar Association, a member of Toledo and Ohio State Bar Associations, helped establish the Juvenile Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, and helped train the CASA workers for several years.

Surviving Julia are her husband, Sheldon Slaybod; her three sons, Henry Keller Casey, Dorian Slaybod (Anna), and Marshall Slaybod (Adriana); foster daughter, Aleticia Tijerina; and sister, Jan Goodman (William).

There was a service on Wednesday at Temple Shomer Emunim.

In lieu of flowers, folks can consider a donation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Arrangements by the Robert H. WICK/Wisniewski Funeral Home (419) 535-5840.

www.wickfh.com