August 7, 1928 – December 18, 2013
Thompson – Julia was born in St Helens, Lancashire, England on August 7, 1928 to a hard working family of modest means. Her father was killed in a coal mining accident when she was eight years old. Her mother remarried shortly before the outbreak of World War II in Europe. Her stepfather, Robert Ashall, served in the British Armed forces during the war and is deceased.
Enduring periods of relentless aerial bombardment from the German Luftwaffe against the nearby port city of Liverpool, she often spent the night huddled in an air raid shelter with her mother, Margaret (deceased), brothers Robert (deceased) and Thomas (deceased), along with her beloved sister Margaret (affectionately known as Peg who passed away in 2007). The only link to what was unfolding around them and across the world was the nightly broadcast of the BBC. Her lifetime appreciation of newscasts, particularly radio, finds its roots in her wartime experiences.
After the war, Julia completed her professional training as a nurse and midwife, beginning a lifelong commitment to the nursing profession and the care of others. She was particularly fond of working with infants and the elderly. Her professional career took her to the Burtonwood US Air Force hospital outside of Liverpool, England where she first met a young Air Force enlisted man named Albert (Pete) Marcoux, Jr. with whom she is survived by, from North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, USA. They courted for some time, became engaged and eventually married at St Joseph’s Church in Peasley Cross, England on April 23, 1955.
Their marriage of almost 60 years produced eight children; Albert (Stephen) III of Keene, NH, Ann Marie of Putnam, CT, Richard and his wife Christine of Milwaukee, WI, Michael and his wife Cathy of Putnam, CT, Maureen Birch and her husband Richard of Thompson, CT, Patrick of Sturbridge, MA, Margaret Dugan and her husband James of Chittenden, VT and Julie Karen of North Grosvenordale, CT. Julia is also survived by 12 grandchildren; Megan, Jessica, Nicholas, Sarah, Jonathan, Shannon, Hunter, Patrick, Colleen, Tierney, Stephen and Samuel, three great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Stella and Jacob, a sister-in-law and brother-in–law; Muriel and Donat Charron of Quinebaug, CT, one nephew; James Charron of Worcester, MA, six nieces; Helena Hughes (deceased) of St.Helens ,UK, Marie Caldwell of Chipping Sodbury,UK, Ann Pigott of St. Helens,UK, Julia Barker of Bury,UK, Marguerite Murphy of St.Helens,UK, and Louise Jeory of Warrington,UK.
After returning to the United States and spending a year in Great Falls, Montana, Julia and Pete returned to North Grosvenordale. They eventually moved to the Quadic neighborhood of Thompson in 1961 in a house that affectionately became known to family, friends and neighbors as “Marcoux Manor.”
Julia had an extensive and rewarding career as a registered nurse and midwife including stints as a Public Health nurse, school nurse at Marianapolis Prep., supervising night nurse at Matulaitis Nursing Home (where she passed away peacefully in the presence of family on December 18), and many years working on the maternity ward at Day Kimball Hospital. She also provided elder care services and served as a consulting nurse at a local day care. Her last professional position before retiring was as a shift nurse for The US Post Office in Hartford, CT. Julia was a registered nurse and one of Connecticut’s first certified midwives.
Julia was a strong advocate for lifelong learning including taking personal enrichment courses at Quinebaug Valley Community College and attaining a BS degree in Professional Arts from St. Joseph’s College, Maine in 1987.
Julia was a long time member of many civic and cultural organizations including the St. Bernard’s Council Knights of Columbus Columbiettes, the Thompson Democratic Town Committee and the Thompson Historical Society.
Julia became a naturalized United States Citizen on May 14, 1959, and was affectionately known as the “Queen” to family and friends in recognition of her British heritage and the high esteem that she was held by all who knew her.
She was a strong supporter and communicant of St. Joseph Roman Catholic church in North Grosvenordale. She was especially proud of her family being selected in 1982 as the International Catholic Family of the Year by the Knights of Columbus during their Centennial year.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Julia’s family from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, December 20, 2013, in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT, where a gathering will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 21, 2013, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. JosephChurch, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. The Mass will be presided over by her son, Fr. Stephen Marcoux of the diocese of Manchester, N.H. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph School, 18 Main St. North Grosvenordale, CT or The Immaculate Conception Convent, 600 Liberty Hwy, Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Mike & Anita Santerre
Pete and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Anita Santerre
shirley houle
Deepest Sympathy to Pete and his family.May she rest in peace.Thoughts and prayers. Shiley ,Ray, Phil Houle
Eileen Hennebry (White)
Dear Stephen, so very sorry to hear the sad news, deepest sympathy to you and all the family. Thinking of you all, love Eileen
Chuck and Ginny Dandreta
Our deepest sympathy. Our love and prayers are with you all. Chuck and Ginny
Jennifer Eddy
Julie and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you – thinking of you during this time. xoxoxo
Steve and Ann Rice
Margaret,
What an incredible person you had the opportunity to have for your mother !!! I can also better understand where the basis of your supportive, mentoring, kind, compassionate character comes from with all of your interactions.
We`re truely sorry for your family`s loss.
Sue Gunderman
Dear Julie and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sue & Kyle Gunderman
Anna G. Laffond
Father Steve,
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God grant you His strength and peace.
Love,
Anna
Donna Bernard Wojciechowski
You have been so blessed. Pete, to have a wonderful, loving wife and mother of your children. Family……..such a mom! She is now reaping her reward!
Lee & Larry Sadler
May God give you all the strength you need during this very difficult time. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with you all, as you grieve your loss. Julia has always been special to us, she always was so kind to us. Her smile, her laughter and that twinkle in her eye will remain in our hearts forever. Lee & Larry Sadler
Barbara Smith
My thoughts and prayers are with you Father and with your family.
jim & Elli Stace
Mrs. Stace and I (Ellie & Jim) extend our deepest sympathy to Fr. Steve and the Marcoux families. Fr. Steve (my mentor) and I shared the love we had for our Mothers. The love he expressed for his Mother for his showed through his compassion for all Mothers and encouraged my wife as she endured her medical problems.
Please share our prayers offered for a wonderful woman and Mother, Mrs. Julia Ashall Marcoux
peanut and patsy boucher
We are so sorry for your loss. Julie was a remarkable woman, she will be Missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
brendan and joan white
deepest sympathy on the loss of your mam. our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Bob and Karen Sherry
There is one fewer great woman on this earth and a loud celebration in heaven as the Queen arrives boldly and triumphantly. Our sympathy to the Marcoux family and friends. Memories of Julia are forever as are the results of her generosity. She is at peace and with her Lord. Amen.
Don & Diane Cote
Father Steve, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. God Bless. Don & Diane Cote
Mrs Julia Barker
To Uncle Pete and all the Marcoux family with our love and deepest sympathy. So glad we have remained close and have such wonderful memories of our times together both in USA and UK. Julia was a wonderful hostess who wrapped us in her love.
She was a very special person – regal, compassionate and serene – worthy of her affectionate title of Queen.
Truly our “lassie from Lancashire”.
The sun may have gone behind the clouds but a new star shines brightly. Goodnight and God Bless.
From your niece Julia and husband David xx
William Zoulias
My deepest condolence may she rest in peace with our lord Jesus Christ
Meg (Kerensly ) and Albie Washburn
To all of the “Queen’s” Children,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your loving Mom.
With love from Meg & Alby Washburn
Jim & Kay Mosco
So sorry to hear of your loss, Fr. Steve, your mother was a beautiful person and her reward will be great in Heaven. We will pray for her and your family at this time of great sorrow, that the Lord will comfort all of you during this Christmas season and know that you will see her again.
Jim & Kay Mosco
Veronica Phillips
Father Steve,
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mother she is with her heavenly
Father at peace and free of pain. My prayers are with you at this time and hope you are well.
Ronnie
Ginny Herberger~Lumb
I feel blessed to have know your Mom “The Queen”!
She was a great lady,very kind and understanding.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Ginny