Julie Mary Ann Whitsitt

Julie is survived by her long-time love and partner, Ken Lair. She is also survived by and will be incredibly missed by her children Bill Whitsitt (Heather), Art Whitsitt (Judy), Corrine Stiver and Teresa Brandt (Rob). Julie is survived by her siblings Louie Barnes (the late Margaret), Bob Barnes (the late Barb), Joey Barnes (Rose), Florence Daniels (Jim), Leona McPhail (the late Archie), Marie Cook (Brian), the late Ed Barnes (2014) (Linda), and Theresa Smith (now deceased, May 9)(the late Bill). She is forever loved and will be greatly missed by her 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter Margaret Whitsitt (2004), her parents Isabelle and James Barnes, and her former spouse William Whitsitt (1990).

Julie thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with her loved ones at family gatherings, playing the slots with Ken at the Casino and watching a Toronto Blue Jays game on TV. She worked for many years for Canada Post delivering rural route mail in Smithville. Finally retiring while working on Clifton Hill, where her family was able to visit her often.

A burial of cremated remains for Julie will be held Monday, May 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Fairview Cemetery, 4501 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 2E8, all are welcome to attend.

In Julie's memory donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Please leave a memory or expression of sympathy for the Whitsitt/Barnes family below.

THE GRAVESIDE SERVICE FOR JULIE WHITSITT:

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for being here to honour the life of Julie. Today is an opportunity to join in taking leave of someone you have loved, a time to share stories and memories, to celebrate the life she lived.

Melissa has prepared a few words to share with everyone:

Whenever I chance to meet, old friends on the street, they wonder how does a man get to be this way. Always got a smiling face, any time and any place, and every time they ask me why I just smile and say 'cause you've got to kiss an angel good morning and love her like the devil when you get back home. How do you distill a lifetime of memories about someone you loved so dearly? Julie went by many names, mom, aunt, Juju by some of her close friends, "Ma" by many others, gramma and nana. Blessed with 5 beautiful children who loved her with every ounce of their being. Subsequently blessed with 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and her first great-great grandbaby to arrive this September. To say that she had a great spirit and mind of her own, would be an understatement. She thoroughly enjoyed shopping and being around people. It didn't matter if she only needed one thing or didn't need anything, she always ended up buying something while she was out. A close second favourite pastime, right til the end, was going to the casino with Ken. She looked forward to those outings and cherished every moment she got to spend with him there. She was also big on family gatherings. Many years she hosted most (if not all), Christmases, Thanksgivings, Easters, birthdays, and adored family reunions. Any opportunity where she was able to spend time with us, she jumped at. Taking a trip to Nova Scotia with Ken and her son Billy, spending time away at a cabin with her sister Florence and others. Her ability to overcome obstacles was insurmountable. Her strength and love for her family gave her the courage she needed to keep going. She survived major heart surgery. Came out of a coma to find she was paralyzed. She had to re-learn how to do many things you or I would deem simple tasks. But she did it, with incredible determination. She found out how independent she could be. She thrived. If you choose to remember her by anything, remember her by this. I'll leave you all with one final piece of advice, from Julie to all of you...

Don't take candy from strangers.

It is my hope that nothing good in Julie’s life will be lost, but will be of benefit to the world; that all that was important to her will be respected by those who follow; and that everything in which she was great at will continue to mean much to you now that she is gone. I hope that she will go on living in her family and friends; in their hearts and minds, and in their courage. My wish is that those who were close to her may now because of her death, be even closer to each other.