Julia M. Ward

Born Dec. 20, 1928, in Youngstown, Ohio, Julia was the fourth of five daughters born to Albert and Jenny (Rudolphi) Dalessandro. They have all preceded her in death.

Julia married Joe Ward, a graduate of Youngstown State. They left behind large Italian and Irish families to move to Illinois for his job with United Airlines. They traveled frequently, including many trips back to Ohio and one to Italy to visit the town where Julia's mother was born. Julia lost her husband when he was only 66.

After her children became school-age, Julia started a successful career in real estate. She worked mostly for Starck Real Estate up until about age 80 and truly loved selling her many friends' homes. She often was named salesperson of the year among other honors.

She was devoted to her family and being 100% Italian, she always made them lots of pasta. She loved attending their sporting events, graduations and weddings, where she danced with the best of them.

Julia is survived by her children, Debbie (Alan) Fleck of Irving, Texas; Ann Basanez of Arlington Heights; Becky (Mark) Damore of Culver, Ind.; Joseph (Lynn) Ward of Lake Barrington; and Mary (Tim) Wilcken of Rochester, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many extended relatives in Ohio, including cousin Annamarie Brogley who was like a sister to her.

What brightened her days the most was seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including the newest one, Charlotte Pater, six months old. Julia was lovingly cared for by Diana Flores.

Memorial visitation will be Feb. 5, 2022 at 10 a.m. with a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 440 S. Mitchell Ave. in Arlington Heights, 60005.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 434 W. Park St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (https://tinyurl.com/3kxxdbfu).

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