Julia May Gowen

Julia was born in County Cork, Ireland. She emigrated to the United States with her husband Michael and settled in San Jose after living for 10 years in San Francisco. She worked 26 years for Kaiser Hospital Santa Clara as a nurse’s aide, lovingly and diligently caring for patients. She loved her family very much and being a nana brought her the most joy. She absolutely lit up when talking about her three grandchildren.

Julia was a devoted nurse’s aide and an extremely hard worker. She often received letters from patients and their families, thanking her for her care and kindness. She was thoughtful in everything she did. She made the best jam and was known as the “Jam Lady” at St. Christopher Parish in San Jose, as her home-made jam was a huge hit and always sold out at their annual antique show fundraiser. Julia did this for them for over 35 years. She had an incredible work ethic and took great pride in everything she did.

She and Mike traveled to Ireland almost every year for many years, and she truly cherished the times with all of the nieces and nephews on both sides of the family – spending wonderful evenings laughing and telling stories. She was so energetic and always up for a great chat. Her door was constantly open for anyone to stop by and enjoy a cup of tea with her delicious Irish soda bread or a shot of whiskey!

She was a loving, caring wife, mother, nana, aunt, friend and neighbor, and she will be missed very much. She was an amazing person and touched many lives, and we will always remember the great conversations and laughs we had with her.

Julia is survived by her daughters, Pauline Duffy (Tom) of San Jose and Catherine Kelliher (Seamas) of San Francisco. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Jack, Marie and Louise Duffy, and many adoring family members in Ireland. She is predeceased by her devoted husband, Michael, and her eldest and beloved daughter, Eileen.

A Viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose. Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m on Thursday, November 17, 2022, St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose. Private burial to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

Please email [email protected] for information about the Irish Wake and Memorial following the funeral to celebrate Julia.