Our beloved Julie sadly passed away on 1st July 2021.
Her funeral service was held on 3rd August 2021 at GreenAcres Chiltern in Beaconsfield.
The Order of Service booklet and a video recording of the service are shared below.
FUNERAL SERVICE VIDEO
MEMORIES AND TRIBUTES
TRIBUTES
JULIE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN – Karen Clayton
If there is such a thing as fate in this World then Julie and I meeting by chance at what would turn out to be her favourite beach café, Albertos, was definitely one of them. I can remember fondly seeing her laughing and chatting away with an acquaintance we both turned out to know. She was looking fab of course as she always did with her beautiful blond locks and outfit on point. At first, I was apprehensive when I approached, but from that first moment when we started chatting, I felt that we were going to be friends. It turned out we had so much in common. Julies’ love of art, clothes, books and best of all just embracing life and enjoying it to the full. Over the years we knew each other our bond grew even stronger. She shared her love and admiration when she spoke about her beloved husband John. “My very own 007” she used to say, and she had a photo of John in a white tuxedo suit which she proudly showed me to prove it! And then there were the heartfelt tales and photos about her beloved Marcus and the amazing son, man and father he had become. Her eyes lit up when she spoke about Jessie, Leo, Marcus and Lucia. They meant the world to her. She was so proud of them all. It was a beautiful thing to see and hear.
Julie used to tell me stories from her past. Boy did she cram so much into her life. Every time we talked about the times before we met a new revelation would pop up. Sometimes we drifted back to Australia, then off to Hong Kong, many happy memories for our transatlantic Julie. She could have written a book about her own life and it would have become a best seller. The hilarious stories she told which ended with us both laughing until we cried. The amazing Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend that Julie was. Of course, as everyone knows, Julies favourite hobby was “shopping”. We used to shop until we dropped. Any excuse to try on a new dress, hat, shoes she would jump at. No wonder all the local clothes shop owners loved her, she was one of their best customers and ultimately friend. Everyone adored her, she just had this ability to light up the room. She exuberated confidence. No event was ever complete without her warm friendly vibrant presence. If ever I was seen out without her people would ask “where’s your sister”, and there you have it, we were sisters for all intents and purposes, not by blood but by something greater than that biological bond, a love for each other, an unspoken understanding of how each other felt. No words needed to be expressed; so in tune with each other’s emotions. A once in a lifetime friendship, far too short in time but every second now a cherished memory.
If I could have one wish it would be to see you Julie one more time come walking through the door. I know that’s impossible, and I will hear your voice no more. I know you can feel my tears and don’t want me to cry. Yet my heart is broken as I can’t understand why someone so precious had to die. I pray that God will give me strength and somehow get me through as I struggle with the heartache when I lost you my beloved friend and sole sister.
Karen Clayton
A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FRIEND JULIE MCSORLEY
As I departed the home of Julie & John McSorley, along the southern Coast of Spain, in mid September 2016, I never imagined it would be the last time I would see my dear friend Julie!
Although we lived far apart we had managed to visit with one another over the years in the the UK, Connecticut, California and Spain.
Even as we lived thousands of miles away from one another, between Europe, Australia and North America, I always thought there would be another window of opportunity where we would , once again, meet to enjoy a glass of wine, a meal together and an “in-person chat & giggle!”
Sadly and regretfully for me and I suspect for most of you , who knew and loved Julie, this may be a common and painful emotion.
Julie was a beacon of exuberance in life! She was just simply, “The Woman Who Had Everything!” Julie was intelligent, creative and talented in art, literature and the culinary arts and business. She was a world traveller, well read and a kind, generous and loving friend. Julie was a gorgeous and fashionable “all around gal “with a wicked sense of humour and great fun to know and have as a friend.
But, most importantly, I knew Julie was a dedicated and devoted wife, who adored her “Superman Hubby” John, and she was an ever loving mother and grandmother to all their collective much loved family! Julie was a fighter and she, along with John and her family, fought the biggest battle of their lives and I know she is now without pain.
Julie will always be remembered by our family for the truly remarkable woman she was and how she lived and loved her family and friends on this earth.
I was so proud and honoured to have Julie as a friend. I will always love the memory of our friendship and will miss her greatly!
With deepest condolences for John and all of Julie’s family, and on behalf of all of us in The John FitzSimons Family we say :
“Thank You for your Friendship Dear Julie And May You Forever Rest in Peace!”
As Ever love,