Julie Marie Pumphrey

Resident of San Jose-Willow Glen

Aug. 20, 1954 - May 21, 2011

With grace and beauty Julie passed away at home on the morning of May 21, 2011 at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with stomach/esophageal cancer. She was partner, best friend and wife of Kirk Pumphrey. Loving mother to Macie Pumphrey of Portland, Oregon and Matt (Ceylan) Pumphrey of San Jose, Ca. Survived by her parents, Patsy and Vern Benmark of Lincoln, Ca., sister Melissa (Russ) Morita of Petaluma, Ca., aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, many numerous friends.

Julie was born Julie Marie Benmark on August 20, 1954 in Sacramento, CA. She spent her youth living in various locations in Northern California. She graduated in 1972 from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, Ca. and attended San Jose State. She became a Registered Radiological Technologist in 1976 working for Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael. In 1978 she re-met her future husband, Kirk. He had been two years ahead of her in Junior High and High School but had not dated until they were reintroduced after a mutual friends wedding. They married and Julie moved to Sacramento to be with him. In 1982 they settled in Willow Glen to raise their family.

Julie worked at Good Samaritan Breast Center, retiring after the birth of her second child. She then worked with Kirk in the business of Lifetouch School Photography. They retired from the business in 2002 and Julie became very active with local charities, Special Olympics, Sacred Heart and most notably National Charity League where she made numerous friends throughout the United States.

Julie fought the battle with her cancer to the very end with dignity and humor. She lived life to the fullest and made one last trip to her favorite retreat in Hawaii a few months before her death. Julie will be remembered for her amazing ability to entertain and make people feel at home with her warm humorous presence. She had an amazing ability of flower arranging, gardening, decorating and creating a loving home. She loved to travel and help others, but she will be most remembered for her quick wit and humor that could put a smile on the most sullen person's face! A quote that offered her strength:

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain".

A private memorial was held. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on July 9th. For information, please contact: Natalie Lewis at [email protected] or 408-723-7195.In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to: Caringbridge.org: caringbridge.org/visit/juliepumphrey, Filoli Gardens: www.filoli.org/support-us Hospice of the Valley: hospicevalley.org.