So sorry to hear of Julie's passing. We became good friends as 7th graders at Burdick Junior High and remained friends through high school where we walked together at our graduation from Rippowam in 1973.  A memory I will always cherish and a photo I still have to this day of us in our caps and gowns. When she moved to Florida we lost touch but stayed connected through our Ripp reunions correspondence. When she was diagnosed with MS we were all deeply saddened, but she never let that keep her from doing so much for so many people as an advocate for many in need. To my graduation partner I hope you rest in eternal peace.

Tom Chiappetta 

Dear Ellen and family,
Julie was my closest Hebrew School friend, in the days when Temple Beth El was located downtown. I remember her with great affection; I was shy, while Julie was warm, confident, and outgoing.  It really was a blessing to be her friend. I have some very distinct memories.  Your family maintained a kosher home; mine didn’t.  When Julie accompanied me to the Springdale School Fair, she found the gentlest way to point out that my selection of a cheeseburger wasn’t in accordance with Jewish law.  No judgment, just making sure that I knew.  This may sound strange -- but to this day, when I plan meals, I am right there at the Springdale Fair, listening to Julie’s guidance (and following it, more or less). Another special memory is cruising around Long Island Sound on the Epstein family boat.  
Julie had a wonderful group of friends who lived downtown and went through school together.  Their closeness, loyalty, and easy acceptance of one another were evident.  Another tribute to Julie’s essence.
Julie and I didn’t cross paths often in high school (although we did fly down to North Carolina together – Julie was visiting you in Durham, I was visiting my cousin in Chapel Hill).  My mom stayed in touch with your folks, so I did receive occasional news. It was moving (but not surprising) to learn that Julie spent her life championing social justice causes.   
May Julie’s memory be a blessing for you and your entire family.
Nancy Fisher-Allison
Guemes Island, Washington


It is with deep sadness that I write this condolence to Ellen and family,  Deborah and all other friends who loved Julie. We are all connected through her and so I send you all my love to help see you through this time. Julie was my first girlfriend in Stamford and will always hold a piece of my heart. 

Dear Ellen ,family, and friends ,
 Words cannot capture my deepest heartfelt emotions to hear this devastating news of my dear childhood friend . Julie and her family welcomed me into their lives and I was blessed to participate in many happy and joyous occasions, including sleepovers and family outings . Although our lives were apart for many years , we did reconnect in 2020 through texts where we reaffirmed our love and friendship.  She was a shining light and I will cherish all the wonderful memories forever . 
With all my love , 
Debra 

To those who knew and loved Julie, her smile said it all.  We met in kindergarten at Franklin School.  I moved after third grade, but we remained connected through activities at the old Stamford JCC and BBG meetings.  Luck would have it that Julie moved as well and we wound up at Rippowam High School.   She's a part of so many of my high school memories and our friendship continued through college and beyond.  We didn't see each other often, but every time we did, it seemed like I had just seen her the week before.
The last time I saw Julie was when she visited Stamford in 2020.  She and Debbie were on their way back to Florida after spending some time in the Berkshire's.  We sat outside and retold the same silly stories we shared every time we were together.  They made me smile then and they will continue to make me smile when I think of her.  

Rest in peace Julia. You are in good hands.


So sorry to hear of cousin Julie’s passing. A brave and passionate woman who battled health challenges  with dignity and strength
A champion for Israel and the Jewish people. May her name always be a blessing and an inspiration
May she Rest In Peace with her beloved parents Sidney and Paula.


My deepest wish for Ellen and all Julie’s family and friends is to know how important her friendship  of 60 years meant to me.  My memory of Julie is the sweet girl on roller skates introducing herself on the day I moved into Bracewood Ln, 1963. We remained childhood friends and even after many years of not being in each other’s lives we reconnected and talked about those days when we were young back at Bracewood Lane,  Franklin school and Burdick. A few years ago at a restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens for over 4 hours we laughed and enjoyed each other‘s stories. She shared with me some of her challenges and I immediately felt such a sense of pride and strength in her. I will miss her but my two lasting memories will always be that sweet girl on roller skates at six years old and just 4  years ago her sitting in that sporty car pulling out of the restaurant filled with joy and confidence.  That was Julie ❤️- Jill Modell-Dion

OBITUARY

Julie Ruth Epstein

25 December, 1955 – 13 January, 2023

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

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