Julia passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 24th, 2022 in her 91st year. She was born in York, PA on September 9th, 1932 and moved to Canada as a young bride and college graduate in 1954. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 68 years, Philip Cockshutt, her sister-in-law (and fellow librarian) Margaret Cockshutt, her five children, Martha (Bill), Catherine, Eric (Jennifer), Amanda (Douglas) and Paul (Alison). She also leaves behind her eight grandchildren, Rachel, John, Rosemary, Malcolm, Hannah, William, Maeve and Emmeline, and dear kitty cat Archer.
In addition to her family, what Julia loved most was books. She started reading at the age of two and a half and never stopped! She pursued her degree at Simmons College in Boston in Library Science and worked for the Canadian Periodical Index upon graduation. Her other passions included her involvement in the former Church of the Resurrection as an alto in the choir and member of the altar guild, as well as her volunteer work with the Friends of the National Gallery and her love of performances at the NAC.
Julia was well known for her desire to always have a neat and organized existence, which was affectionately referred to by many as her being a “Pennsylvania Dutch neat freak.” She was also the family grammarian and was regularly consulted on matters of proper usage – it was simply unacceptable to say “these ones” in her presence! Julia especially loved a good murder mystery and would often consume multiple books in a week, something she passed on to most of her children (clearly a dominant genetic trait). Most importantly, she was a kind and caring friend, mother, grandmother, and wife. She was always sensitive to what others were experiencing and was thoughtful to the needs of others.
Julia will be deeply missed by her family and friends. But she will be remembered fondly for her years of dedicated service to her community and love for her family as well as for making the best spaghetti sauce ever.
Family and friends are invited to attend Julia’s memorial service at St. Thomas the Apostle Anglican Church, 2345 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, on Saturday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m.; reception to follow.
The family would appreciate that you wear a mask at all times during this event except when eating or drinking.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Ravines Retirement Residence and the Champlain Community Care and Support workers who provided Julia with such excellent care and compassion in her final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders, a charity that Julia was particularly passionate about, would be gratefully accepted.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Julia Ann Cockshutt Fink Monday October 24th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario