Julia Gertrude Coleman

Portland, ME- Julia G. Coleman, 86, died peacefully on June 7, 2026, in Portland Maine. Formerly of Saco, she was born in Easton, Pennsylvania to the late Margaret Bickelhaupt and Francis Coleman. She graduated from Wilson High School in Easton, Harvard University and The University of Miami.

She taught history for many years at Kennebunk High School, sharing her love of history with generations of students. On one school vacation, Julia took a class to Moscow while Russia was still the Soviet Union. After she retired, she delighted in meeting and hearing from her former students.

She loved to travel and spent many summers hiking in Austria. Julia traveled many times to Italy visiting friends and family.

Julia loved animals. At her home in Saco, she always had a rescued dog and cat. Julia was a wonderful gardener, a lover of books, and an exceptional cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.

She is survived by her sister Susan Martin of Dover, NH. She was “Auntie” to her nephew Dennis “Chip” Martin of Portland, nieces Judi Cyr of Charleston, SC and Melissa "Missy" Pollard of Newburyport, MA, and “Old Auntie” to Gavin Cyr and Samuel, Nate, and Laura Martin.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Julia’s online guest book.