Julia Marie McEnroe

04/08/1956 - 01/01/2025

Julia Marie McEnroe died of cardiac arrest on January 1, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia. Julie (to her family) was born in Stoughton Massachusetts on April 8, 1956 (a surprise birthday present for her sister Mary). Raised primarily in Connecticut, Julie graduated from Andrew Ward High School in Fairfield, CT. She received an associate degree in Paralegal Studies from Sacred Heart University and a bachelor's degree in history and government from Central Connecticut.
Julie was predeceased by her parents Edward J. McEnroe, Sr. and Mary F. McEnroe and her brother Edward J. McEnroe, Jr. She is survived by her sister Jane Deliee (Charlie), Mary Andrews (John), Eileen Palmer (Greg), Katherine Tarantino (Jim), and brother Michael McEnroe (Vera). She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 15 grandnieces and nephews, whom she adored.
In her early 20s, Julie was diagnosed with crippling Rheumatoid Arthritis, prompting her move to a more temperate climate. She moved to Dallas, Texas, where for 15 years she worked for two major law firms. She specialized in civil trial preparation and court procedures. After moving to Washington, DC, to be close to family, she was a paralegal at several firms, for the last twenty-five years at Akin, Gump. Her last years, after her assignment to the Pro Bono division, were her most fulfilling. Most of her cases were Immigration and Refugee work and she poured her whole heart into each one. In 2023, she was recognized for that dedication by receiving the firm-wide Pro Bono Service Award.
Though in failing health and crippling pain her deep dedication to the law and the clients never wavered. While her disease allowed, Julie loved to watercolor, knit, cross stitch and create special celebration cakes. She was a voracious reader and loved all period pieces on PBS and Britbox. She kept up with current pop culture, generating enthusiastic conversations with her grandnieces and -nephews. As one of her grandnephews said, she was "a beam of positivity" in their lives.
A special thank you to her Akin family for their kind remembrances and assistance. Julia's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapman Funeral Home in South Yarmouth, Mass. Interment will follow at Woodside Cemetery in Yarmouth Port, Mass. Family requests no flowers but memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Scholars Rescue Fund are appreciated. For online guestbook please visit