Julie wanted a short, simple obituary — maybe a sentence or two, plus a picture. I must apologize to her, because I cannot capture that Vanderwilt essence in a brief written piece.
Julie was born on April 12, 1945, and was taken from us too soon by multiple myeloma on Nov. 16, 2021. Although she faced this disease with fierce determination and strength, she lost her battle against it. She chose to donate her body to UC San Diego in order to further research on the disease that claimed her life.
To all who knew her, Julie was a jovial soul who had many artistic interests: mosaics, fused glass, jewelry, and most recently quilting. With each new endeavor, she intently focused all her efforts on that undertaking until she had mastered it. Her completed designs in all facets of her art show elevated skills, displaying impressive imagination and creativity.
An avid sports enthusiast, she loved horseback riding, racquetball, and ultimately became an enthusiastic pickle ball player.
She was an IT manager in charge of finances for Mission Research Corporation for more than 30 years — a genuine trailblazer in that field.
Julie’s support of animal rescue organizations gave her joyful purpose. Neighbors were in awe of the Garden of Eden she created in her front yard. Everyone who strolled along her street admired the lush
magnificence of thriving plants, plus an abundance feline figurines. Julie absolutely loved cats. In fact, her favorite coffee cup proudly states: “Crazy Cat Lady”
Friends will remember Julie as generous and kind to others.
She is survived by her older brother Jim Colvin, and two nephews Mike and Alan Colvin.
Julie truly enjoyed her time here on earth, approaching life’s experiences with childlike wonder. She delighted in each new adventure, but always appreciated the simple things in life. Her friends will smile when they think of her — she has filled our memories with funny stories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honor Julie’s love of all things feline: Save LA Cougars Campaign, www.savelacougars.org; or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Feline Projects,
www.bestfriends.org.