Julia Maxine Kohl, 81, passed away in Halifax on November 24, 2020 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A battle she fought with all the traits of a feisty alley cat. Watching her do everything she could, everything the doctors told her to do, was an eye opener. In earlier times, she would have been called one tough broad. Man, she was tough. And imposing. All 5’1’ 100 pounds of her. Backbone six feet tall. Grit bred into her N.S. Scottish being. And a presence to match. To underestimate her was your first mistake. And you never wanted to know what your second would be.
She was the coolest Mom. Driving her daughter and sons around in a Camaro Z28 tricked out in yellow and black racing stripes, which always turned heads when she pulled up behind the grey mini vans at school. Much to the delight of her kids with Greg, still in a car seat.
She was stylish. ‘Styling’ before it became a thing. She and her first husband, Richard Clark, loved to travel. We remember a particular pair of brown glove leather boots from London. They were as soft as down. So hip we were in awe. A beautiful quilted long skirt that came from Bermuda that she wore to cocktail parties ordering her Tom Collins. She was so young and hip and beautiful.
As a mother, she had a calling and a plan. She was diligent about library visits and good nutrition. And yes, flossing. And she was the appointed sergeant major of neat and tidy. The kids joked that she ironed her young son’s play clothes. It wasn’t a joke. She saw dirt in places no one would even think of looking. A summer bath was a major scrubbing as she found grime disguised as tan on every one of us.
But as tough as she was, she was the mother who had fresh cookies ready when you got home from school and hardly ever missed a chat over lunch. Went to every school event. She demanded manners at all times. And talked about kindness and being cognizant of those who had less than us, drawing from her own rural childhood.
Julia is survived by loving husband Herbie Kohl, together for more than 30 years. Theirs is a love story that started on the dance floor. They met dancing at a singles club where they quickly became regulars, cutting up the dance floor every Saturday night. A favorite was the Newfoundland Club where Julia loved the bands. And loved the attention they got when she and Herbie cut a rug. She loved to dance. She always spoke of Herbie in loving terms and during their last years together, they were each other’s rocks. A kind and loving man, Herbie was the love of her life.
Grandmother to five. Samantha, Kate and Connor Clark. Emma and Luke Jessiman. All on their way in college and university to do great things or getting ready to embark on careers of their own.
She also leaves behind daughter Catherine Clark, son Rick and daughter-in-law Lindsay Clark, and son Greg, daughter-in-law Stephanie Clark and son Aidan MacFarlane.
Not to forget her siblings. She will be missed by sister Doris Maloney and brothers Claudie and Ray MacCallum.
Her memories will be a blessing. And so many, many of them will make us smile.
We will hold our sorrow softly.
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