Obituaries

Dr. Julie A. Anderson, 71, of Bradenton, FL, passed quietly at the home of her cousin Amy (Richard) Zeman in Elburn, IL at 4:44 AM on Oct 12, 2024 under the loving watch of cousins, Amy Zeman, David Johnson and dear friend and Florida neighbor, Peggy Sporer.  Julie had battled pancreatic cancer for 20 months, and did so in a way that inspired all who knew her.

After completing an internship year in family medicine at the University of Maryland Hospital, Julie set out to complete her US Air Force obligation, serving in both Izmir, Turkey and Lakenheath airbase in England.  In addition to gaining valuable clinical experience, her Air Force assignments satisfied Julie’s desire to explore the world and meet as many different types of people as possible.  Following her Air Force service, she returned to the University of Maryland to complete her residency in family medicine.  From there, she had a varied and fascinating career including work in several emergency rooms, qualifications and service as a specialist in undersea medicine and care of divers and finally a productive period as an expert in the care of chronic wounds, a field in which she knew more than probably 95% of other physicians.  She retired to Bradenton, FL some years ago, where she made numerous friends and pursued her various passions and avocations.

In addition to being a knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate physician, Julie was a gifted artist, gardener and poly instrumentalist musician.  She was an avid collector of antique maps and musical instruments and could regale friends and family with the history behind many of them.  Her most recent activity of several years was Irish music, in particular the Irish whistle.  She loved playing in many Irish sessions in the Bradenton area.  On a recent trip to Ireland with her friend and fellow Irish music enthusiast Holly Williams, she was able to take an in-person lesson with her online whistle teacher, who drove a long distance to meet her.  That is a typical Julie story – to think of an adventure a lot of others wouldn’t, and then make it happen.  Julie’s kindness was not limited to people.  She loved animals, and was heavily involved in greyhound rescue and fostering, including bringing dogs from overseas to the US for a better life.  And, of course, she adored her cats Katie, Winston and Oscar and her beloved greyhound Trevor.  Over the years, Julie responded to hurricane disasters to help care for displaced animals.

In addition to her intellectual gifts and abundant curiosity about people, places and things, Julie was blessed with a high degree of emotional intelligence.  She had a unique ability to find something interesting about almost everyone she met and connect with people in a way few can.  It is no wonder she was beloved by her family and her countless friends.  The world needs more Julie Andersons, and we have lost the only one.  While all who knew Julie are beset with deep sadness, she gifted us a wonderful example of how to live a full and meaningful life on one’s own terms.  She will continue to be loved by many.

Julie was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Goepel and her sister Kathy Goepel.  She is survived by her mother Joan Goepel, currently of St. Charles, IL as well as numerous cousins and countless friends and admirers.

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