Julie McKenna

Many things can be said about Julie McKenna. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Julie was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Julie Margaret Javurek was born September 3, 1968 in Burbank, Ca to Wayne and Katharine. She was raised in Thousand Oaks, CA. Julie's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her.

Julie grew up with 2 siblings. She had an older sister Jeanette and one brother, Jay. Julie was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Julie carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Julie was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Julie was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Julie could easily relate to other kids. In her spare time she liked to dance!

She graduated from Westlake High School in 1986. She made many friends that she is friends with today.

Always considered a “good” friend, Julie sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. Julie would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Julie was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Julie had many friends but she became best friends with Megan Companion. They were life long friends.

Julie’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a loving, devoted mother to her children. Julie shared her values with her two children, her daughter Brenna (21) and a her son Colin (12). They were her life. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them. Her favorite pastime with her kids was to go to Disneyland with them.

Julie had contemplated a career in fashion design, but was drawn to computer technology. She was taught computer information systems early int he morning by her father before she went to work. Julie had great career at Medtronics, but stepped away from the corporate world to raise her children. She became an independent contractor working IT jobs so she could be at home with her kids.

Because she was organized and methodical, Julie took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were hiking, helping people, reiki, art, sewing, photography and creating beautiful presentations with food. Julie enjoyed sharing her passions with others.

Julie was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Julie was known to her peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Julie was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting her own needs aside. A benefit was Julie’s ability to bring valued principles along with her. Julie was a member of the Kiwanis of the Conejo Valley, volunteering her time making Rose Bowl floats and helping the community as could. She had a passion for the Ride-On organization and volunteered at their annual fund raiser.

Julie was known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others. If someone needed a meal, a ride, someone to listen to, she was there. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values.

She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She wanted to wrap you in the warmth of love. She loved and wanted to help anyone.

Yes, she is passed. She would say to you when all else fails "Give someone a hug".

Julie is survived by her mother Katharine (Kit); children, Brenna and Colin, sister Jeanette, brother Jay (Diana).