Julie Ann (Bower) Cappiello passed away peacefully at home in Austin, TX on April 17, 2024, due to complications from ALS. Born in Oil City, PA on January 12, 1944, Julie was the daughter of Ardelle and William J. Bower, Sr. She was the loving mother of Scott Cappiello (Carrie) of San Marcos, CA and Lisa Foertsch (John) of Austin, TX; and beloved grandmother of Griffin, Harper, and Reid Cappiello, and Julia and Aubrie Foertsch. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William J. Bower, Jr.
Julie grew up in Knox, PA, graduating from Keystone High School in 1961. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education and Spanish from Penn State University and completed her graduate work in linguistics at Temple University.
She taught high school Spanish and French in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before becoming a full-time mom. She moved to Herndon, VA in 1976 and later taught preschool in Herndon. Julie spent over 20 years working as a data manager for government contractor SAIC, retiring in 2006. Her most treasured roles in life, however, were “Mom” and “Grandma” – love of family was at the core of her identity. In 2022, Julie moved to Austin, TX to be closer to daughter Lisa and her family.
Throughout her life, Julie had a passion for language and learning. She was inquisitive by nature, exceptionally detail-oriented, and had a witty sense-of-humor. She enjoyed writing letters, discussing politics, practicing tai chi, singing, fitness walking, and, of course, sharing stories about her children and grandchildren.
But above all, she enjoyed human connections: being around people, meeting new people, staying connected to life-long friends. A resident of Herndon for over 40 years, Julie particularly cherished her long-time friendships in the Herndon community. Even towards the end of her life, Julie was in touch with friends from childhood, high school, college and beyond, yet was also making new friends in her new community in Austin.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, always one to listen and offer a kind gesture or personal note.
A memorial luncheon will be held on June 29, 2024 in Herndon, VA.
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