Julia R. Breitenbach

August 30, 1926 – December 21, 2016

Julia Rose Breitenbach died December 21st, 2016 at the John Knox Village Woodlands after a brief illness. She was born to Ernest and Rose Cerussi in New York, New York, on August 30, 1926, and was the sister of Michael Cerussi and the devoted wife of Joseph Edward Breitenbach, all of whom predeceased her. She is survived by three children: the eldest son, his spouse, two grandchildren and their spouses, and a great grandchild; middle son Eric, his wife Kathy and two grandchildren; and youngest son Mark and his wife Roslyn.

Julia Rose Cerussi met Joseph Breitenbach when they worked together at Allstate Insurance Company in New York City around 1950. After a brief courtship they married in New York. Their children were born in New York and Pittsburgh. The family relocated to Convent Station, New Jersey, where Julia was a devoted homemaker, and, along with her husband Joseph, provided a loving and secure home for their family.

Julia loved entertaining friends and family, keeping detailed records of her menus, guests and the highlights of each occasion. She was fastidious in the way she maintained her home and dressed modestly yet elegantly. She was fond of Italian food, and was renowned for her grand Easter feasts.

Julia and Joseph retired to Florida in 1985. They lived in Lighthouse Point and Fort Lauderdale, subsequently spending their final years at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach. They traveled to their ancestral countries of Germany and Italy, and visited Egypt, the United Kingdom, Greece, Malta, Hawaii and many sites in the continental US. Lifelong, devoted Catholics, Julia and Joseph were active members of their church and performed volunteer work for Covenant House in Fort Lauderdale. At John Knox Village they participated in the Mockingbirds singing group and many other community events. They were active in the Navy League, frequently welcoming sailors to port in Fort Lauderdale. Upon Joseph’s death in 2013, Julia volunteered at the nursing home facility at John Knox Village.

Julia was first and foremost a caretaker. Julia and Joseph reared their children so that each pursued their dreams and meaningful careers. She was Joseph’s devoted companion. She cared for both of her parents in their old age. When Joseph was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, Julia became his caretaker, and was by his side each and every day until his death.

Throughout her life Julia welcomed others into her home with open arms. She will be remembered for her generosity, devotion to her faith, her family and friends. She made those around her feel special and loved. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Services will be at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, January 14th, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.