Julie Manzur Ward

Julie was born on November 19, 1959, in Havana, Cuba, to Alberto Hernandez Ortega and Carmen Manzur Ortega. The Ortega family later moved to Eagle Rock, California, where Julie graduated from Eagle Rock High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1981.

Julie began her professional life in the hospitality industry as a hotel general manager for Crowne Plaza Hotels, then worked for a time as an executive assistant at the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees (NCASEF). On March 12, 1988, she married Robert Daniel Ward at the St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood, CA.

Robert and Julie began their married life together in Eagle Rock, where Julie gave birth to two children: Robert Alexander Ward, in 1989, and Jennifer Julie Ward, in 1992. Julie chose to devote herself to her family primarily as a stay-at-home mother, while working part-time as a rental property manager for Helen Woo Investments.

In 2001, Robert, Julie, and the children moved to Santa Clarita, CA. Julie returned to the workforce as a bilingual instructional assistant at Cedar Creek Elementary with the Saugus Union School District, where she served students and families for 24 years. She also worked 15 years in a similar role for the William S. Hart Union High School District, where she won Classified Employee of the Year at Sierra Vista Junior High School in 2013/2014. She left a lasting impact on her students through her compassion, patience, and commitment to education.

Julie was preceded in death by her father, Alberto Hernandez Ortega.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Robert Daniel Ward; her children, Robert Alexander Ward and Jennifer Ward Albichara; and her grandson, Jack Thomas Ward.

Julie will be remembered for her love and strength for her family, as well as for the many lives she touched through her personal life and work.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 North Sierra Highway Newhall, California 91321. The ceremony will be officiated by Father Guzman.

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