Julia Ann Maas

Julia Ann Maas, a cherished wife, devoted mother of 7, proud grandmother of 27, great-grandmother of 11, and lifelong Catholic, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 77.

Born on December 15, 1947, in Quincy, Illinois, Julia was the beloved daughter of Kathryn and Benjamin Joachim and the younger sister of JJ (James) Joachim. From an early age, she was surrounded by love, music, and faith; values that would shape her character and legacy.

Julia's deep Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and quietly guided her in every role she embraced: wife, mother, grandmother, organist, teacher, and quilter. Through them all, she lived out her devotion to God, using her gifts to serve others and to reflect His love in both word and deed.

On August 20, 1966, Julia married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Leo Maas, at St. Francis Church in Quincy, IL. Their love story began on a dance floor and blossomed into a life rooted in faith, family, and joy. Their devotion to one another grew stronger with every season of life. Together they journeyed on pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, the Vatican, Assisi and numerous Midwest Shrines - spiritual adventures that deepened their bond and filled their hearts with grace. In times of illness, Tom's unwavering care and devotion were a testament to the love they shared, and Julia never stopped expressing her gratitude for his gentle strength and constant support. Their marriage was an example of sacramental love, lived in service to one another and to God.

As a mother, Julia embraced her calling with warmth and wisdom. She welcomed seven children into a home that overflowed with love and laughter. Julia's love of books and learning was contagious, inspiring her children to embrace curiosity, value education, and find joy in the pursuit of knowledge. Her days were devoted to nurturing her family and creating a home where everyone felt loved, valued, and comforted.

One of Julia's greatest joys was being a grandmother. Over the years, she created countless special moments with her grandchildren: reading books, teaching sewing, and organizing lively rounds of bingo. Her fondness of puzzles brought the whole family together around the table. Julia's laughter, patience, and creativity made every visit magical, leaving behind a legacy of joyful memories.

Julia was an accomplished organist whose music was a humble ministry used to glorify God and uplift others. For decades, she shared her musical gifts as an organist at St. Joseph, St. Dominic, St. Rose, St. Boniface, and the Illinois Veterans Home. The notes she played echoed through her home as well, filling holidays with cheer and inviting her grandchildren to dance around the piano bench. Her music stitched together faith and celebration, creating harmony whenever she played.

Julia's love of learning led her to study concert piano and earn her education degree from Quincy University. For over a decade, she taught Religion at Quincy Notre Dame High School, inspiring students with her insight and faith. Whether in the classroom or at home, Julia led by example; living her beliefs and encouraging others to seek truth, wisdom, and purpose.

Julia was a masterful quilter who poured love and intention into every stitch. Over the years, she created more than 100 quilts - treasured gifts that wrapped her family in warmth, memory, and care. Through service projects like the Blanket Project and Honor Flight quilts, she lived out the Beatitudes with quiet devotion; offering comfort to the sick, the elderly, and the forgotten. For Julia, quilting was more than a craft, it was a way to serve others with her hands and her heart.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Thomas Leo Maas, and their seven children: Tom (Mary), Donna (John) Bolinger, Brian (Jennifer), John (Mandy), Mary (Jim) Linnenburger, Janet (Luke) Willett, and Coletta (Brian) Meyer, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, faith, and creativity. She also leaves behind twenty-seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Visitation will be held at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Church on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Peter's Music/Broadcast Ministry or St. Peter's Church, in Julia's memory.