Julia was the devoted wife of the late George Gerrish, with whom she shared a beautiful life until his passing in 2001. Together, they raised a loving family and built a legacy rooted in faith, warmth, and family traditions.
She was the cherished mother of George W. Gerrish (Carol), James Gerrish (The late Theresa), Rosemary Dikeman (David), John Gerrish (Penny), Virginia Benayoun (Jean-Luc), Joseph Gerrish (Lara), and Robert Gerrish (Janice).
Julia was the adored grandmother of George Gerrish (Jamie), Lauren Gerrish (Ryan LeGrady), Julianne Gerrish-Tien, Matthew Gerrish (Danielle), Marisa Knoth (Adam), Eric Dikeman (Joanne), Emma Benayoun, Julian Benayoun (Magdaline), Michael Gerrish (Amanda), Kailey Carpenter, Ross Carpenter, Robert Gerrish (Anna), Kurt Gerrish, and Steven Gerrish. She was the loving Nana of her great-grandchildren George and Evin Gerrish; Cameron and Lenore LeGrady; Hunter Tien; Andrew and Brian Knoth; Jameson and Killian Dikeman; and Tyler Gerrish.
She is survived by her devoted siblings Mary Staudermann, Rose Schmidt, and Robert Schmidt, and will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Julia was a woman of many joys and talents. She was an avid reader and loved getting lost in a good book. Music filled her heart—especially the voices of Johnny Mathis, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Perry Como. In her home, there was always time for Perry Como.
Together with her husband George, Julia traveled the United States extensively—they proudly visited all 50 states, but with a special rule: you had to spend the night in a state for it to count. They also enjoyed several memorable trips to Europe, with Julia meticulously planning each journey, mapping out train routes and travel details with care and enthusiasm.
A wonderful cook and gracious hostess, Julia's home was the heart of every holiday gathering. Whether it was Thanksgiving or Christmas, her home was filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of delicious food. She never made just one pie or a single tray of cookies—there would be five pies and an endless variety of homemade treats. Cooking for her large family brought her immense joy, and she poured her love into every dish she prepared.
Above all, Julia was a kind and thoughtful soul who found deep happiness in the company of her family. Her warmth, generosity, and strength touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy of love will live on through the generations she helped shape.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 234 Broadway, Bethpage, NY 11714, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in her honor on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 220 Central Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Interment will follow at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735, beginning at 11:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Julia's memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Answer the Call (Widows and orphans of NY Police Department and NY Fire Department) and to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
Julia lived a long, full life defined by love, tradition, and togetherness. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
