"God sets many angels in our paths, but often we know them not; in fact,

we may go through life never knowing that they were agents or messengers

of God to lead us on to virtue, or to deter us from vice. But they symbolize

that constant and benign intervention of God in human history, which stops

us on the path to destruction or leads us to success or happiness and virtue." 

 

- Fulton J. Sheen

 

Our cherished daughter inspired many during her short time with us. In an effort to share her beautiful life with the world, here are some special remembrances of her. Enjoy.

 

The Catholic Standard recently published a letter I had written highlighting a memorable encounter Julie had with John Cardinal O'Connor. It was written as a tribute to Cardinal O'Connor following his death.

 

Here is a poem I wrote about two hours after Julie was born. It continued a family tradition begun by my father and continued by my brother and me to celebrate the births of our children.

 

Julie was fortunate enough to attend James E. Duckworth School, the best school on the planet. Visit them soon. In the near future their web page may contain information about the new accessible playground due to be completed in time for Challenge Day on May 26, 2000.

 

Julie worshiped at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in College Park. There she participated fully in the church and was loved by the entire parish.

 

Fr. Giles loved Julie. He has a special ministry to the disabled in his role as the East Coast chaplain for Faith and Light, an international organization that serves the spiritual needs of the disabled. His homily was a beautiful gift to Julie and to all who attended her funeral.

 

 

Julie's cousin, Veronica Fontaine Thomas, shared memories of Julie at her funeral. For those who knew Julie, it was an opportunity to remember how sweet Julie was. For those who didn't know Julie, it was a chance to get to know her. Click here to read those precious remarks.

 

Julie's Uncle Bill spoke so lovingly about Julie at her funeral. Here are his comments.

 

A tape was made of the funeral and I thank Mary for transcribing my talk so that we could present it here. In my talk I tried to thank the many people who helped us help Julie.

 

In my remarks at Julie's funeral I referred to a beautiful story by Emily Perl Kingsley titled "Welcome to Holland." Here it is in its entirety. Here also is the portion of Erma Bombeck's "Special Women Get Special Children" I used.

 

Mary and I have received so many beautiful cards and letters. One such letter was from my good friend Ray Sloan. He mentions in his letter a special memory of a time when Julie got to meet, on her 16th birthday, John Cardinal O'Connor of New York. With Ray's permission, I share that letter with you.

 

Our sister-in-law, Lisa Fontaine (Steve's wife) was also inspired to write a lovely poem. I'm pleased to offer it here.

 

Memorials in Julie's name can be sent to Duckworth School in Beltsville or the Jewish Community Hospice. The addresses are contained in Julie's death notice which appeared in the Washington Post on July 31, 1999 and August 1, 1999.

 

Please see the beautiful and touching scrapbook that Julie's sister Bernadette created as a special remembrance of Julie.