Julia “Julie” Guzman

Julia Guzman (Julie) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 5, 2008 in Santa Barbara, CA where she had been a resident for the last 17 years.

Julie was born on Sept. 4, 1971 in Ojai, CA and was the youngest daughter of the late Sergio Guzman and the late Raquel Limas Guzman. She was raised in the Ojai Valley and graduated from Nordhoff High School in 1989. She then moved to SB and became a Tri-Counties Regional Center client.

Julie was well known in SB. She was especially known among the MTD Public Transportation Dept. She had currently been working part-time doing surveys for them. Prior to MTD, Julie spent many years working for CAP-1 as a mobility aide. She had a heart for caring and helping others especially those with disabilities. She was involved with many organizations one of them being People First. Last Oct. she traveled to Sacramento to lobby and advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. She also volunteered for many groups such as Transition House, K-9 Pals and Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp. She was also a Special Olympics Athlete and most recently participated on the floor hockey team and was a member of the inaugural Athlete Input Council.

Julie loved the Lord and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in SB. She even served as a Deacon there. She was most recently attending Calvary Chapel with her boyfriend, Timmy. Together they volunteered their time at Calvary.

Julie will be remembered for being a very loving, friendly and sweet spirited young person. She was always happy and smiling. She loved cats and dogs and loved to collect Beanie Babies, snow globes, going to movies and even the Chumash Casino. However, most of all she loved her family and friends. Spending time with them is what mattered most to her. She touched many lives and she will be deeply missed.

Julie is survived by her sister, Araceli Smith (Charles) of Collierville, TN; sister, Cassandria Anissa Ransom (Shelby) of Ojai, CA; sister, Linda Muth of Ojai, CA; brother, George Martinez (Mavis) of Ojai, CA; brother Ruben Martinez (Jan) of Ojai, CA; Marcelino and Carmen Nunez (Tio and Tia) of Ventura, CA and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service celebrating Julie’s life will be held at 5 PM, Thursday, Jan. 24 at Calvary Chapel, 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Santa Barbara.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the “Julie Guzman Memorial Fund” at Washington Mutual or mail donations to: 423 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Attn: Julie Guzman Memorial Fund.

Arrangements under Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, Santa Barbara (805) 965-5145