On January 1, 2023, Julia Ann Johnston passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones, following a ten-year battle with cancer and its terrible aftermath.
She was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1957 to Mary Ann and Edward Johnston.
Julie was never married and had no children; however, she is survived by a huge number of loved one’s both related and chosen.
All who knew Julie (aka juju) are familiar with her heartwarming smile and ready laugh.
She lived such an incredibly diverse and rich life. She always had a story to tell, and it inevitably started with “Did I ever tell you about…”. A story from Juju might be about her days in the second class of women accepted to federal academy.
Perhaps about her varsity letter earned at the Merchant Marine Academy.
She was the first woman to letter in a varsity sport in any federal academy. One might hear about the student battalion that she commanded.
Another first for women in federal academies. Or perhaps about the pranks that she initiated during graduation week.
The sail boats in the commandants swimming pool, or the VW tire dropped over the top of the largest free-standing flagpole in the world, or the ceremonial cannon stuffed with confetti.
Julie sailed the world, rapidly advancing in the merchant marines to the rank of captain.
In 1989 Julie suffered a debilitating injury and her sailing career came to an end. She took up golf as a physical therapy and within a few years had her LPGA teaching pro card.
Countless slices, hooks, and all-around terrible golf swings have been corrected by Juju’s gentle, patient tutoring.
So many who never thought they would ever play the game, now love the links because of Julie. At the time she was pursuing her golf career Julie also became a fixture at Mordecai’s Restaurant. Regular patrons would often encounter her behind the bar in the evenings.
In 2013 Julie was diagnosed with cancer. Her bravery and determination to survive were nothing short of heroic. She beat her cancer to the astonishment of the army of medical professionals who were constantly telling her to get her affairs in order. It is heartbreaking that this brave woman survived her cancer only to succumb to the aftereffects of surgery, chemo, and radiation. She never let it slow her down. She lived her life as we all should. In the last year of her life, she crossed off many bucket list items, including skydiving and zip lining. She was an inspiration to so many. She will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held in Julie’s honor at the Littleton United Methodist church on Main St in Littleton, on January 14 2023, at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family would gratefully accept donation to the following: