Julie Ann Reed Gleixner, age 85, passed away on July 20th, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones. A native of Rogers Park and Evanston, she was born on February 20th, 1938 to Paul and Kathryn Reed where she grew up in a home filled with love and laughter. She spent eighty years of sisterhood with Beth (Billy) Compton, her baby sister, beginning with early school years at St. Margaret Mary’s and St. A’s, then on to high school at Marywood and finally carefree college years at St. Mary of the Woods College. She met Barrett, her future husband of 52 years, on a blind date when she was 15, and their marriage resulted in four children who adored her.
A large portion of Julie’s life was spent selflessly taking care of others, beginning with raising her four children, moving to her mother and mother-in-law when assistance was needed, and finally ending with her husband during his thirteen year battle with cancer. She never wavered when providing nurturing, love and support. The sense of caring for others was both effortless and intrinsic throughout her entire life.
In addition to endless years as a caregiver, her talents and interests spanned the gamut, ranging from teacher, writer, seamstress, painter, musician, singer, choir member, volunteer, sailor, gardener, world-traveler, spectator at any grandchild’s event, award-winning knitter, avid reader, life-long book club member and documented hole-in-one golfer.
Anyone who knew her loved her. We all were charmed by her smile, positive nature, sharp wit and how she made you feel special any time you had the privilege of hanging out with her. She loved to be with her family and friends and enjoyed raising a glass when a toast was deemed appropriate.
No one was surprised when she confronted her cancer diagnosis with superhuman strength and grace. Battling cancer and endless rounds of chemo during a world-wide pandemic was taken in stride. When faced with this “touch of cancer” once again, she fought the good fight and ended on her terms with an unmatched resolve. Her faith carried her through to the end when she decided it was time to embark on the next adventure.
Julie was the beloved wife of the late Barrett J. Gleixner, her steadfast sailing and golfing partner. She was preceded in death by her dear granddaughter, Jenna. Julie was the devoted mother to Lianne (Kurt) Sundberg, Brett (Kate) Gleixner, Ellen Wozny, and Paul (John Vazquez) Gleixner, who cherished all the years they spent together, especially the bonus days at the end. Her grandchildren, Reed, Jenna, Matt, Jeremy (Tina), James, Will, Michelle, Drake and Matt, affectionately deemed her “Jules” and treasured each minute with her. She always made them feel that they were her favorite. Aunt Julie was a favorite to many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Visitation Friday, August 11, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Joan of Arc Church Campus, (part of Saint John Henry Newman Parish) 3653 Lyons Street, Evanston, IL 60203. Interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Academy at Saint Joan of Arc, 9245 Lawndale Avenue, Evanston, IL 60203. Livestream of Funeral Mass available through funeral home website on Julie’s obituary page. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com