January 28, 1970 ~ July 26, 2020 (age 50)
Our sweet Julie Whitehead passed away at home on Sunday, July 26, 2020 surrounded by the love of her parents and sister, as she succumbed to kidney failure. Julie had the heart of a warrior, which allowed her to conquer the myriad medical battles she fought after being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at a young age. We are eternally grateful to the grieving family of a young boy who made it possible for Julie to spend 20 more years with us through the gift of organ donation.
Julie’s infectious laugh, sharp wit and tender heart were a potent combination that lightened hearts and lifted spirits whenever she was around. She never wished to dwell on her own challenges, always preferring to focus on others. She was an intensely loyal friend whose greatest joy was found in the society of others, preferably over lunch followed by an hours long gabfest.
After winning a bridge building contest at Alta High School, she briefly considered a career in engineering, but instead chose to follow her passion for connecting with people, and graduated from the University of Utah with a communications degree. She enjoyed a brief career in public relations before the loss of her sight and early stage heart failure made it impossible for her to continue. Still, she found ways to engage her talents by learning to use software for the visually impaired, which allowed her to donate public relations services for local non-profits.
Julie loved adventure, studying abroad at Cambridge, working in Boston over one summer, and traveling to Europe and other areas of the world numerous times. She was a gifted and graceful dancer, and we rejoice to know she can once again express herself in this manner. A bright light has gone out of our lives, yet we are comforted to know she is encircled in the loving arms of her siblings.
She is survived by her parents, Robert and Camille Whitehead, sister Kathy Whitehead, and sister-in-law Linda Hilton Whitehead, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom she loved dearly. Welcoming her into their arms are her siblings Kaylene, Wendy and Scott Whitehead.
A public viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00pm. Face masks and social distancing are required. A private funeral service will be held. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Larkin Mortuary.