Julie  Eulogy
Given by brother David Palace

What a beautiful church What a glorious dayJulie would be pleased!  And thank you for coming out today to support the family and to honor Julie one last time.

We all know she was a loving and devoted wife to Joe for 61 years.  What an amazing life they had together! We also know she was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  I know she loved all of her kids dearly. But what you may not know is that she was simply the best sister a brother could have.  She was my big sister, second mother, and my hero.  
Life happens and we sometimes didn't see each other for weeks, months, and sometimes years, but it just took a phone calland it went something like this: DavidI gotta see you!  And my answer would always be the same.see you Saturday sisterwe'll have lunch, catch up, and go for a ride.  

She loved to go for rides. I'd get to the house, open the door, and that finger would be waging..David where have you been?  And my answer was always the same. I'm right here sister, I love you.  We'd smile, and hug and in that moment all would be forgiven.  

I have many, but I'm going to share three of my special memories.I don't think Julie would mind. I was ten, and Christmas was always something special. She always had a gift for me under the treesomething she knew a boy just had to have. But more than that, I have the memory of my Mother Emily, sisters Rosemary, Grace, and Julie all in the kitchentalking, laughing, sharing a glass of wine and making those wonderful tamales.  It was music to my ears.  And sure enough by the end of the night, Julie would sing or do a little dance.  She had such a lively soul.somebody you just wanted to be around all the time. 

She was my biggest cheerleader. Little league I would be up at bat and would hear this voice. David get a hit!  I would look over she was always easy to spot.big sunglasses, a floppy hat or umbrella.  100 degrees outside and she would be sitting there cheering me on. And she would always have some words of wisdom after the game. David you did good.they only won because they cheated!  Of course I would agree.

She taught me life lessons.  As a teenager I got into a little bit of trouble.  She and Joe would drive out to the juvenile hall to pick me up.  She never yelled at me.  (Not once in 62 years) But she would say Davidyou are too smart for this.  Go to schoolbe somebody.  Words I live by.  Be somebodymake a difference.  I hope I haven't disappointed sister.
So right about now if she were sitting in the front row she would lean over and say.Davidsit downyou're talking too much.  And of course she would be right.

So I will leave you with the words we spoke a thousand times before, whenever we parted: David.don't be a stranger!  And I would say:
I'll see you soon sister.I love you!

My Big Sister Juliet
My very first memory as a toddler were noticing her loving hands dressing me and curling my hair so she could show me off to her friends.  I was her real live doll.
As a little girl of eight-years old, little Juliet had the responsibility of taking care of two little toddlers, Rosemary, my sister, and myself for our parents had to work to put food on the table.  Today this would be considered child abuse and neglect.  
Little Juliet would lock herself in the house and shut all the windows for she was very afraid of being left alone with two little babies to care for.
I would like to share a happy memory that I still have dreams about.  Little Juliet would take her two little baby sisters (Rosemary and myself) in a little red wagon to walk about ten blocks to visit our Tia's Concha's house.  Before we started our trip she would say to us, "Now pray that we might find a penny, nickel, or a dime on the sidewalk."  This meant that we would be able to stop and buy some penny candy on the way back.  Sure enough, we would find some coins.  This was my most happiest memories I have of being with my sisters as a child. Those were difficult years for little Julie with so much responsibility.  
Many years later my little brother, David, came along and sure enough, Juliet became a second mother to him.  Raising him along side her own son, Joe Santana, Jr.  
I always admired her smile and her ability to conquer life on her terms.  Her ability to call a spade a spade.  Boy, Judge Judy has nothing on her!  So, there will be a big void in our lives.  But I know that she has completed her work here. Time for peace and rest. So Julie, Juliet, and Julia you may have left us, but you will never leave our hearts.

Mom, although you're gone,  I'm not alone, and never shall I be, for the precious memories of the bond we share will never depart from me. 
Our love surpassed the ups  and downs, and helped us along the way, and that same love will give me strength.
To manage this loss each day. On my mind and in my heart. 
Mom,  you shall forever be, for just as much as,  I'm am a part of you.
You are a part of me. I love you and will miss every day until we meet again.

God saw that she was getting tired 
And a cure was not meant to be
So he put his arms around her 
And whispered come with me
With tearful eyes we watched her suffer 
And watched her fade away
Although we loved her dearly 
We could not make her stay
A golden heart stopped beating 
And a warm loving heart to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us 
That he only takes the best.

My heart will ache until we're together again. Your DEEPLY missed Grams. I'm happy your free from pain... spread  those wings and remember it's not goodbye it's I'LL SEE YOU SOON! I love you.

My sister Juliet, Julie, and Julia. All these names are who she was. Sweet, coy and playful.  Juliet was my best friend and second mother. I remember her loving hands as a toddler. Later in life we became closer always looking for adventures and places to visit. Now Julie was Joe's lovely lady. However Julia was the mischievous little girl hiding from her chores. These are some of my loving memories. She was a lover of life and music always filled her days. Always admired her determination, loving home making skills and the ability to be a constant nucleus for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  So now go my sweet sister, Juliet, to a warm peaceful place. Soon we will laugh, sing, and be merry once again.

God bless and keep you, Julie. We miss your smile and laugh. They fill our memories. Your strength and courage throughout your life was a great help to your family and will always be remembered. I am so grateful to have had the chance to know and love you, and become part of your family. You can rest now and  know your family will make the right choices to honor you. ❤ }{

OBITUARY

Julie Santana

6 August, 1935 – 1 October, 2015

Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home

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