Julie Ann Brocklesby, 56, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA, surrounded by her devoted mother and sisters on Tuesday, September 17th. Born in Lowell, MA, on February 10, 1968, she was the beloved daughter of Kathleen Nelligan Brocklesby and the late Gerard Brocklesby.
For 33 years, Julie resided at a Fidelity House/Waystone group home in Methuen, MA, and attended CLASS in Lawrence, MA, where she was loved and cared for by so many kind and compassionate people. Julie cherished the years spent with her house“sisters”, Brea, Diane and Pat.
Without ever speaking a word, Julie profoundly impacted everyone she encountered. She taught others the true meaning of unconditional love, resilience, and strength. Those who had the pleasure of knowing her were always captivated by her infectious smile, belly laughs, the devious twinkle in her eye and, most of all, her big heart. She brought joy to so many.
Julie enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved balloons, music (especially Hannah Montana), shaking and throwing water and soda bottles, crinkling magazines, dancing, and watching action-filled TV shows and movies. She found happiness in being outdoors; going for walks, playing in the grass and leaves, swimming in her pool, and swinging on her yard swing. Known as a “nosey nelly”, she was a quintessential observer, always looking out windows and watching those around her. Most of all, she loved the company and companionship of others.
Adored by her family, Julie was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. In addition to her devoted mother, she is survived by her loving sisters, Lynne Brocklesby (Scott Greenberg) of Fairfield, CT, Amy Goodwin (Ernie Goodwin) of Orange, CT, and Karen Brocklesby (Jeff Bentley) of Melrose, MA, as well as her eight nieces and nephews: Emily, Anabelle, Brock, Lila, Patch, Jack, Tess, and Patrick.
Her family would like to especially thank Dr. Edward Walshe of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, who treated Julie with the utmost compassion and care and advocated for her for nearly 30 years. We would also like to thank the many program directors, nurses, and caregivers at her Fidelity House/Waystone group home and at CLASS for their devotion to Julie and her care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Gift Processing, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th floor, Charlestown, MA 02129. Please include “LHMC Transplant Department fund, In memory of Julie Brocklesby” on the memo line. Donations can also be made online at giving.lahey.org., please specify Transplant Department, In memory of Julie Brocklesby.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA, on Friday, October 4th, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA at 12:30 p.m. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.