Julie Jacqueline McKenzie

McKenzie, Julie Jacqueline (BComm) - January 13, 1967 – May 16, 2016 Julie died peacefully on May 16 after a protracted illness. She was the beloved wife of Michael Michaud and devoted mother to Emily and Anne-Marie. Julie is survived by her mother, Pierrette McKenzie, her sister Nathalie (Michael), her brother Robert and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Born in Sillery, QC and raised in Baie d’Urfé, QC, Julie personified the modern Canadian woman. Fluently bilingual, educated and devoted to raising her family, she balanced the demands of work and home with an ease and grace that was amazing to see. Captivated by the ocean, Julie fell instantly in love with Halifax upon her arrival in 1987. After graduating from Dalhousie University in 1993, she willingly put a promising career on hold in 1995 in order to support Michael’s military career. During a whirlwind succession of moves across Canada, to the USA and to Germany, she never faltered in her enthusiasm for new experiences. She happily started her career anew in each location, finding her greatest satisfaction working with young children and sharing her love of language. A School Librarian in Cold Lake, Alberta and in Hamburg, Germany, Julie was adored by students and staff for her endlessly cheerful and helpful nature. Whether as a Reading Circle Tutor in Hamburg, a school fund-raiser in Cold Lake, or serving on the Executive of both the Cold Lake and Shearwater Figure Skating Clubs, Julie was dedicated to her communities, radiating a positive energy that truly brought out the very best in those around her. Throughout, her heart remained in Nova Scotia and Julie was delighted to settle there in 2012, quickly becoming a cherished member of the staff at École Bois-Joli in Dartmouth, NS. Gifted with a remarkable joie de vivre and natural charm, Julie was a sparkling and vivacious woman. Her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and selfless nature immediately set people at ease. Julie made friends easily around the world, and was steadfastly loyal to them. She was genuinely engaged, interested and invested in their lives. Julie’s storytelling was endlessly entertaining - she had a keen sense of humour and her stories were often interrupted mid-stride by her bursting out laughing. Listeners, captivated by her delight, often laughed right along without quite knowing why! Julie was unimpressed by material possessions (a touch of Scottish “frugality” perhaps!), but found joy in the simple pleasures of life: a hot latte brought to her in bed on a Sunday morning, fresh cut flowers, and spirited conversations with family and friends. A self-confessed “foodie” and unrepentant chocoholic, she reveled in sampling new cuisines, a delight she imparted to the entire family. Adventurous and exuberant, Julie was always ready to embark on a new outdoor escapade of hiking, cross country skiing or bicycling. Her ability to sew was renowned: she took immense pleasure in breathing life into every costume her daughters could imagine each year. A wonderfully patient and loving mother, Julie put her family first, always excited to hear about every minute detail of her daughters’ and husband’s lives. From playdates to prom dress shopping, she was devoted to her daughters and wanted the best for and from them. Julie instilled in her children the importance of hard work and living to the fullest, but also of taking time to breathe deeply and savour life’s gifts. Per Julie’s expressed wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. An event for family and friends to gather in celebration of all chapters of her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated.