Obituary of Julie Harrity

Julie Anne (Kenny) Harrity died peacefully on January 21, 2013, after a long and full life. She was the widow of the late James Harrity, who died on Oct. 19, 1980. Julie was born in Six Roads, Gloucester County, NB, on March 1, 1926, the daughter of Alex and Inchbald (Ferguson) Kenny. She moved to Saint John in 1946, worked for New System Laundry, and lived in the North End until she married Jim in 1950 and became a very proud West-Sider. She took great pride in her work as a wife, mother, and homemaker.  Julie was an avid gardener, sewer, knitter and quilter, and always did things for others. She had an amazing ability to grow beautiful flowers even in the fog. Her first grandchild Cara called her “Cookie Nan”, and the name stayed, as she always had cookies and treats for whoever came to visit her. No one ever left her home without taking something with them, and she never visited anyone without bringing something with her. Many people have benefitted over the years from her kind donations of baked goods (her fudge in particular), her quilts, and knitted items. Julie was also a gifted writer and poet. After many years as a homemaker, she got her driver’s licence at the age of 55 and went to work as a home care worker for the Red Cross for several years. She was very proud of getting her high school diploma at the age of 64, and never stopped learning or teaching others throughout her life. She believed in celebrating life, and took great joy in her Canada Day gatherings, weekly card games, trips with her friends, and her annual girl’s night with all the special women in her life. She especially cherished her time ‘up home’ each year at Kenny’s Keep in Pokemouche. Julie was a long-time member of many West Side groups, including the Legion of Mary, the Scout Mothers’ Association, the Womens’ Society, the 30-Up Club, and the Beaconsfield Rubies Club. She also enjoyed her weekly card games with her “club”.  She was a faithful member of the Church of the Assumption for 62 years. She served as minister of the Eucharist and contributed to the Church in many other capacities over the years. Julie believed that her children were her legacy, and was very proud of their lives and accomplishments. She is survived by her remaining 12 children and their spouses: Pauline (Gillis) and Elmer King; Jane Harrity and Peter Humphrey; Stephen and Pam Harrity; Bobby and Judy Harrity; John and Alyson Harrity; Richard and Christine Harrity; Peter Harrity; Adele and Wade Shannon; Carl and Patti Harrity; Tom and Valerie Harrity; Lisa Harrity; and Douglas and Cathy Harrity. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Cara (Greg), Tiffany (Andrew), Josh (Kim), Sarah (Darren), Janelle (Justin), Tyler (Tiffany), Luther (Tracey), Melinda (John), Alisha (Mike), Jared, Ryan, Jessica  (Jason), Aaron, Joseph, Alex, Patricia, Jimmy, and Harley; great grandchildren: Alexis; Asha and Julie; Taurean; Tristan and Kylie Sue; and many dear nieces and nephews. Julie was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Jim, her daughter Anna May, her son-in-law, Clarence, and her brothers, Amos, Jim, Ben, and Walter. She will be remembered with love by her siblings: Zina, Rita, Warren (Rita), Dave (Doris), and Emmeline (Rosaire); and her brother-in-law Bob (Annette) Harrity.  She will also be remembered with love by many long-time friends whose lives she touched. Julie was a strong, faithful, kind, funny, loving and generous woman, and we were blessed to have her in our lives. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West, (634-1701). Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.  A mass of christian burial will take place at 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, officiated by Msgr. Brian Sheehan. There will be a reception held at the Fallsview Reception Center following the service.  Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.  Family flowers only.  For those who wish to remember her, donations may be sent to the Assumption Building Fund.