Julia L. Plante

Julia Lentz Plante, 63, completed her journey with cancer on Saturday March 17, 2018 at the Sentara Hospice House in Virginia Beach, VA. Julia is the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Myrtle Lentz of Norfolk, VA. Julia leaves behind her beloved daughter Jessica Guckert (William), brother Monroe Lentz (Kristen and niece Mary Liz), and former spouse Richard K. Plante Jr. (Margaret).

Born in Newport, RI, Julia lived in Norfolk, VA for much of her childhood. She was a graduate from Lake Taylor High School. Julia earned her wings as a flight attendant but eventually settled down at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA as a payroll manager. Following her work at Old Dominion, Julia served as a military spouse for nearly 20 years. Not one to sit idle, she volunteered her time with the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), becoming the resident room parent for most Jessica’s elementary school years, providing daycare for other families in the neighborhood, and was a cheer and horse show mom. Continuing her education, she became a Telemetry Technician at Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA, where she has served for the past 14 years.

Julia enjoyed surrounding herself with animals of all types! From her love of Chinese Shar-peis, “Wrinkles” and “Silver,” to a Labrador retriever- “Sara,” Dalmatian- “Pepper,” Chow Chow- “Brandy,” and a cute Pit Bull mix- “Angel.” Julia’s house was always full of excitement. One of her closest companions was “Pegasus,” an older Quarter Horse that befriended her during all her hours being a horse mom. The two instantly took to each other building an intense bond that would provide lifelong happiness for Julia. As an avid reader, Julia rarely missed a new publication from her favorite authors. The Lentz family’s extensive genealogy provided Julia with countless hours of research and fun. She loved completing the small details of our history. It was not uncommon to find Julia at Surf Rider or Rockafeller’s enjoying one of their crab cakes or at Cracker Barrel, ordering two orders of dumplings, one to eat and the other to take home. During the past year, she began to revisit classic T.V., particularly enjoying Leave it to Beaver and the Andy Griffith Show.

Our family would like to thank the compassionate team at Virginia Oncology, Lake Wright, Norfolk, VA, the amazing staff on 6RP at Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk, VA, and the generosity of the staff at the Sentara Hospice House, Virginia Beach, VA. These facilities treated our family as if we were members of their own family, and for that we are forever grateful.

Please join us to celebrate Julia’s well-lived life on March 31st, 2018 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Norfolk, VA. A viewing at 5:00 PM, with a short memorial and reception to follow. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center, an animal shelter that has touched the lives of many within our group of family and friends. Donations can be directly on their website www.friendsofnacc.com or mailed to Friends of NACC, 5585 Sabre Rd., Norfolk, VA 23502. Please include online under the special instructions that the donation is honor of Julia or on a note with a mailed donation.