Although Julia and I weren't what you would call 'close', we spent a lot of time together for a while. We were students at U of T together and socialized a lot during our time together there. 

I was very glad to be able to attend some of the memorial today and was very moved by the people that spoke and how beautifully organized it all was. John's call of for musical memories, to keep Julia alive in all of us, made me want to write more. (I left a card as well). 

Back in March, a friend of mine lost his best friend to ALS. Soon after that, another close friend of mine lost her step-father. Right around that time, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Vampire Weekend's latest album. They were slowly releasing singles to keep us pining for more. The first one of those singles, Capricorn, was instantly beautiful to me, especially the piano solo on the first bridge. Stunning. 

It's helpful to mention the title of the album here. Only God Was Above Us. Although I'm not religious, the title is so moving, given that it was quoted in a newspaper article as being said by a passenger that was on a flight when the roof, all of a sudden, broke off the top of a plane in mid-flight. 

All of this is to say that the album title combined with the beautiful song heightened the sadness I felt for my friend who had just lost someone close to them. 

You're probably by now wondering where I'm going with all this. 

On September 24th, I was watching the band play in Toronto when the texts came through that Julia had died. I believe Capricorn was even the song that was playing when I first saw the news. Of course, I couldn't even believe it at first. This kind of news always comes about people that I don't know. 

Now, I can say that, in addition to my other friends that lost ones dear to them, I will always think of Julia when I hear this song. I will also think of all of you, the beautiful memorial, and the pain and fear you must be dealing with. 

I hope this doesn't strike you as oblique or abstract. I just thought it to be a way to honour John's wishes, and perhaps you will enjoy listening to this song (if you don't know it already) and see the beauty in it. 

My sincerest condolences to all of you. 

Ed Reifel 

Here's the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch…

We are lost for words! 

Que vous vous sentiez entouré et épaulés de vos proches en cette période est précieux

Avec tendresse

Équipe qualité

One of the very few upsides of early Covid times was my daily potbanging and interaction with my next door neighbours, the Colley-Cleveland family. We met every evening for months and months, and even had a Palmerston Blvd. potbangers reunion over the winter holidays. While Julia did not live on the street, she was a frequent visitor. 

Only later learning that she was such an accomplished musician, I smile at the memories of when Julia would bring her percussion instruments, perhaps encouraging all of us to up our game from the noisy pots!

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to cross paths with this warm and passionate women. John's photos on this site capture so well the diversity of her interests.

 I am devastated for her family and John's loss. 

Sue, Gord and Tara, I am so sorry I can not attend this memory event for Julia. The pictures of her show how vibrant she must have been and I am sure this event will showcase her talent, vibrancy, and quirkiness that you mention and everyone will see her that day. My deepest condolences. 

Karen Gray