Julia Hope Elizabeth Woods April 15, 1992 - January 19, 2023 In Remembrance of...
Julia Hope Elizabeth Woods was born on April 15, 1992, to Michael and Mary Woods in Cleveland, Ohio. She joined her big sisters, Tori and Rikki. Julia was a ray of light in this world. She was a kind and authentic soul who made friends wherever she went, and was notable for her loyalty, her candor, and her quest for adventure. She was extremely funny, candid and sincere. She was devoted to her family and her friends and was committed to making the world a better place. Julia was a company dancer at The Dance Centre in Rocky River, and a founding member of the Magnificat High School Dance Team She studied dance at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where she combined her ferocious, protective love for the environment with savvy communication and economic skills. She earned her BA in Political Science, with minors in Environmental Studies and Dance, graduating with honors in 2014. She was a fierce advocate of equality and served humanity selflessly during her too-few years. Julia dedicated her life to helping others, from a year in service with Americorps City Year in LA to Bolder-based Global Greengrants Fund and the Emergency Family Assistance Association for families in crisis, to addressing disaster preparedness with FEMA. She held a nuanced view of the intersectionality of social justice issues and environmental concerns. Julia dearly loved this planet and spent every moment she could outside enjoying nature’s splendors. She was an avid hiker, camper,
cyclist, cross country and downhill skier, climber, swimmer, runner, and wildflower enthusiast. Her favorite cycling buddy was her Rad Dad. A long-time yoga practitioner and teacher, Julia was in the process of earning her Pilates instructor certification. It wasn't unusual for her to wake up early, ski a few laps at the cross-country run, and then still make it to work on time, with a smile on her face, two braids in her hair, and a hot cup of tea in her hands. She was a committed community gardener who grew and canned her own tomatoes. A talented chef, her particular superpowers were making any and all vegetables taste good. According to her nephew Xavier, she prepared "the best cheesy eggies of his life." She loved to try new recipes and dining out. She enjoyed a cocktail with friends, a craft brew with her “brudder-in-law” Kevin, a Starbucks with “middle seestor” Rikki, a glass of wine with “big seestor” Tori, or
a cup of tea with her mom, whom she called “a legend.” Julia's taste for adventure led her to travel all around the country and the globe. She studied abroad in London and Paris and traveled to Greece, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Belgium, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Israel. Her middle name was Hope, and it proved apt. After the car accident that would claim her life, her family knew that she still had hope to give. Julia had registered as an organ and tissue donor. Through their unimaginable pain, her family takes solace in knowing that in her final earthly act, Julia brought hope to at least four human beings who now have another chance at living. Her family prays that Julia's indomitable kindness and enthusiasm for life lives on in these people whose lives she touched—and in the countless other lives enriched by her time on earth. Remember Julia. Go for a hike and look for wildflowers. Consider dancing in your kitchen while you make a delicious meal for someone you love, even if that someone is yourself. Include a vegetable. Remember our dear daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend: The irreplaceable Julia.
Submitted by: Mary Woods
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