Julie Ann (Harpe) Pierce, of Newtown, age 56, was called home to God on July 2, 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, Fla., on April 2, 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, N.Y. 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 United States 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 and ultimately earning a Master’s in Education Administration from Troy State University. Julie taught social studies, primarily geography, to middle school students for more than 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 29, 2002. Julie taught at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull 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 and 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 to 8 pm on Friday, July 12, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 13, at 10:30 am, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, followed by a graveside ceremony at the Newtown Village Cemetery, 22 Elm Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie’s memory to either the Brain Tumor Program Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital at [naviga:u]givetoynhh.org[/naviga:u] under “make a gift” or Connecticut Hospice at [naviga:u]hospice.com /donate[/naviga:u].

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 television show, M*A*S*H, in its final episode, “Goodbye, farewell, and amen.”