Julie Mooy

Ageing with grit and grace, Julie Mooy lived a life of love for family and friends and of conviction. Julie was born to Leonard and Ceil Cruess of Waterbury, Connecticut on December 28, 1928. She is the oldest loving sister of James Cruess (deceased), Marianne Wolbert, Lenne Grant, and Kiki Cruess. While attending Bryant College in Rhode Island, Julie met the love of her life, Len Mooy, and they were married on June 26, 1951. Julie and Len were amazing parents to eight children: Julie (Jill) Valentine, Michael, John (Nancy), Jo Bittner (Randy), Maureen Attebury (Tim), Marianne Schuyler (John), Jim (Liz), and Jane Mooy (deceased). As Grandma Pookie, she enjoyed her 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Julie and Len moved to California in 1956. While her husband, Len, taught in local junior high and high schools, mom was homemaker, nurse, psychologist, chaplain, teacher, baker, and taxi driver for our family. When her last child entered high school, mom got a “real” job (yes this is sarcasm) and worked for the Goleta Union School District which she said were the happiest days of her life. In her younger years, Julie was a devout Roman Catholic and member for many years of St. Raphael’s Church. An avid reader, she taught her children the love of the written word. There was always music in our home, from classical to show tunes to pop. Mom loved to paint and, while she gave it up while raising her ever growing brood, she was able to pick it up again in her later years.

Julie was a devoted daughter and mother who taught her children to always treasure family and friends. She was a living example of this when she and Len added on to their house so that our Nana could live with us. Later, our father, Len, suffered with Alzheimer’s and Mom steadfastly refused outside care taking loving care of him to the very end. And finally, when her own parents passed, it was our mom who took care of them through their last years. So you see, Julie has earned her rest but we know she will continue to care for us from above.

Come celebrate Julie’s life with friends and family on Monday, April 9th at 10: 00 a.m. for mass with reception to follow at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church, 160 St. Joseph’s Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care who generously provided support and care to Mom and family.