Obituary for Julie Ann Pierce
Julie Ann (Harpe) Pierce of Newtown, aged 56, was called home to God on July 2nd, 2019. She passed peacefully following a long illness. Julie was a warm, friendly person with a sunny personality, a big heart and a smile that lit up any room she entered. She made friends easily everywhere she went and leaves behind many loved ones.
She was born in Coral Gables, Florida on April 2nd, 1963 the daughter of Alton Houston Harpe, Jr. and Fairy Alice (Ramsey) Harpe. At an early age Julie’s family moved from Florida to Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. Julie’s family has a long and proud connection with the military as her father served in both World War II and Korea along with his 23 years as a civilian Minister at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Julie graduated from Cornwall Central High School and attended several universities earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz, ultimately earning a Master’s in Education Administration from Troy State University. Julie taught Social Studies, primarily Geography, to middle school students for over 14 years in New York, Hawaii, New Mexico and Connecticut. When asked why she chose to teach middle school she would always explain that she wanted to help her students have a better experience than her own at this difficult age. She actively worked to connect with “her kids” to help them boost their self-esteem and to enjoy life more, leading by example with her sunny outlook and friendly personality.
Julie was introduced to her husband Brendan on Super Bowl Sunday 2001 by a mutual friend and fellow teacher. Following a short long-distance romance, she moved to Connecticut and they were married on June 29th, 2002. Julie taught at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull, CT until the birth of their son Jack in April 2004. Thereafter Julie found her greatest pleasure as she remained home as a full-time mother and homemaker. Julie continued to generously share her talents through active involvement in her son’s schools by volunteering in the classroom and library. Julie shared her strong faith as an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Newtown teaching Sunday School for children and serving on the Altar Guild.
Most of all, Julie loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching movies and football, especially Auburn University and the New England Patriots, going to concerts, and cuddling with her dog Chumley.
Julie is survived by her husband Brendan Pierce and son Jack Pierce, both of Newtown, a mother Fairy Harpe of Midlothian, VA, a brother and sister in-law David & Elizabeth Harpe of Midlothian, VA along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving father Alton.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday July 12 at the Honan Funeral Home ,58 Main Street in Newtown. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am Saturday July 13 in Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown followed by a graveside ceremony at the Newtown Village Cemetery, 22 Elm Drive, Newtown. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Julie’s memory to either the Brain Tumor Program Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital (at www.givetoynhh.org under “make a gift”) or Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com /donate). Julie firmly believed that she was going on to Heaven to be with her God and her beloved father. So her loved ones look forward to being reunited with her someday but for now, to quote Julie’s favorite T.V. show “M*A*S*H” in its final episode “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”.
She was born in Coral Gables, Florida on April 2nd, 1963 the daughter of Alton Houston Harpe, Jr. and Fairy Alice (Ramsey) Harpe. At an early age Julie’s family moved from Florida to Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. Julie’s family has a long and proud connection with the military as her father served in both World War II and Korea along with his 23 years as a civilian Minister at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Julie graduated from Cornwall Central High School and attended several universities earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SUNY New Paltz, ultimately earning a Master’s in Education Administration from Troy State University. Julie taught Social Studies, primarily Geography, to middle school students for over 14 years in New York, Hawaii, New Mexico and Connecticut. When asked why she chose to teach middle school she would always explain that she wanted to help her students have a better experience than her own at this difficult age. She actively worked to connect with “her kids” to help them boost their self-esteem and to enjoy life more, leading by example with her sunny outlook and friendly personality.
Julie was introduced to her husband Brendan on Super Bowl Sunday 2001 by a mutual friend and fellow teacher. Following a short long-distance romance, she moved to Connecticut and they were married on June 29th, 2002. Julie taught at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull, CT until the birth of their son Jack in April 2004. Thereafter Julie found her greatest pleasure as she remained home as a full-time mother and homemaker. Julie continued to generously share her talents through active involvement in her son’s schools by volunteering in the classroom and library. Julie shared her strong faith as an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Newtown teaching Sunday School for children and serving on the Altar Guild.
Most of all, Julie loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching movies and football, especially Auburn University and the New England Patriots, going to concerts, and cuddling with her dog Chumley.
Julie is survived by her husband Brendan Pierce and son Jack Pierce, both of Newtown, a mother Fairy Harpe of Midlothian, VA, a brother and sister in-law David & Elizabeth Harpe of Midlothian, VA along with several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving father Alton.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday July 12 at the Honan Funeral Home ,58 Main Street in Newtown. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am Saturday July 13 in Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown followed by a graveside ceremony at the Newtown Village Cemetery, 22 Elm Drive, Newtown. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Julie’s memory to either the Brain Tumor Program Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital (at www.givetoynhh.org under “make a gift”) or Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com /donate). Julie firmly believed that she was going on to Heaven to be with her God and her beloved father. So her loved ones look forward to being reunited with her someday but for now, to quote Julie’s favorite T.V. show “M*A*S*H” in its final episode “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”.