Julia Anne Cadwalader

Julia Cadwalader passed away on the 18th of May, 2021, in Tempe, Arizona. Julia spread joy and love wherever she went. She entered this life in West Lafayette, Indiana on March 10, 1951, the eldest of three daughters of Thomas and Hazel. The family moved to Tempe in 1963 after her father’s retirement when she was 12 years old.

Julia attended Tempe High School (Class of 1969) and Arizona State University for both nursing (1977) and a masters in nursing education (1990). She also completed her degree in midwifery at Frontier College (Frontier Nursing University) (1998) in Hyden, Kentucky.

Julia was a devoted member of the Baha’i Faith always drawing comfort and support from the teachings and prayers. Julia dedicated her life to serving the Faith in her own way, through teaching and embodying its principles and beliefs. She learned of the Baha'i Faith in 1967 and has maintained lifelong friendships in the process. In 1990, she moved to West Virginia to help build the Baha’i community in Charleston. After retirement, Julia volunteered at the Tempe Baha’i Information Center on Fridays with dear friends.

Julia wore many hats in her career as a nurse and nurse educator. Her fondest memories and the stories she shared the most came from her time in the high-risk OB ward at Good Samaritan (Banner University) Hospital in Phoenix. Caring for mothers and their new babies was a special gift and she beamed with every retelling. Her care and advice about motherhood and childcare went beyond her official work day to all friends, acquaintances, and especially family. Gentleness and compassion flowed out in waves from her kind soul.

Julia also found great joy in creative pursuits. A good portion of the 80s, 90s, and 00s were spent stooped over a flower, a rock or with her camera lens to the clouds capturing the everyday beauty that encompassed her. And, sometimes she would take a picture of people, too. During the 90s she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the revolutionary war reenactment community in West Virginia. Recreating clothing, eating ramps made over the campfire, and always working on knitting and crocheting. She was instrumental in the completion of the ARIZONA! Installation by CHOI & SHINE at the Scottsdale waterfront in Fall/Winter 2018/19. Showcasing not only her crocheting mastery, but also her puzzling skills in decoding the pattern. No one in the desert should have as many wool sweaters, hats, socks, and slippers as her family does. But the hand knitted portable hugs she gave us are treasured in every season.

Above all, Julia was a deeply loved mother, grandmother and aunt. She nurtured them all with her being, celebrated their triumphs, and soothed their pain. Her strength will remain as a constant in their lives and provide solace from the loss of her earthly being.

Julia is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas J and Hazel Jane Phillips. May they be united in love. She leaves behind her daughters Gwendolyn Melis (Marc) and Jane Cadwalader of Tempe; her sisters Sarah Kerr of Tempe and Margaret Weaver (Michael) of Payson; her nieces and nephews Amy, Brian, Mark, Jeramey (Tabitha), Crystal, Caprice (Mike), Ram (Erica), and Amrit (Emily); her grandchildren Anna, Laura, Elena, Simon, and Frank; and abundant and beloved grand nieces and nephews.

Services in Julia's honor will be held at Green Acres Mortuary on Saturday, May 22, 2021 with a Visitation from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm and Funeral Services at 2:00 pm. Julia will be placed to Rest at Green Acres Cemetery (401 N Hayden Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85257) .

In memory of Julia, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The La Leche League and Umom New Day Centers