Julie Wasson Peck passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, in Southbury, Conn. Julie used her wisdom, energy, compassion, and every one of her 84 years to contribute to the welfare of others. She taught her children to recognize the dignity in all people and modeled this value throughout her life.

In her career, Julie was a trailblazer for women in the workforce, an advocate for racial equality in government service, and a transformative leader in nonprofit service. She adopted and passionately cared for her grandson, Matthew, who had experienced severe brain damage, and used her retirement to advocate tirelessly for the care of medically complex children in the State of Massachusetts.

For Julie, her extraordinary achievements were “just what you do.” What really mattered to her were the people in her life: her colleagues, her friends, her beloved family, and the people who mattered to the people who mattered to her. For Julie, there was often little distinction between these, as she embraced everyone as friends and family. She was a mentor and advisor to countless colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. Julie measured her success by the success of those around her.

Julie met her husband of 57 years, Clyde, in her “Intro to Physics” class at the University of Michigan. Together, they had three children, Sarah, Chad, and Caroline. Julie was as loving, supportive, and successful as a mother as she was in every other aspect of her life (and a lot of fun too!). In her later years, nothing delighted Julie more than being a grandmother to Matthew, Sarah, Katie, Abigail, and Madeleine. Perhaps her greatest joy at the end of her life was meeting her precious great-granddaughter, Eleanor.

Julie was predeceased by her parents, George and Pauline Wasson; her husband, Clyde; her daughter, Caroline; and her grandson, Matthew.

She is survived by her brother, Ken Wasson; her daughter, Sarah Peck; her son, Charles “Chad” Peck, and his wife, Lori Peck; her grandchildren, Sarah James, Katie Peck, Abigail Peck, and Madeleine Peck; and by her great-granddaughter, Eleanor James.

A visitation will be held for Julie on Thursday, October 20, from 4 to 6 pm at Honan Funeral home. A memorial service will be held at the historic Newtown Meeting House on Friday, October 21, starting at 2 pm, followed by a reception with refreshments.

Attendees will be invited to say a few words in remembrance of Julie at the memorial service.

Honan Funeral Home is located at 58 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-2751, honanfh.com). Newtown Meeting House is located at 31 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470. Directions and parking information can be found at newtownmeetinghouse.com. Directions to the nearby reception will be provided at the memorial service. If you plan to speak at the memorial service, attend the reception, or have any questions, please reach out to us at sarahcatpeck@gmail.com.