Julie Ann Purdy, 63, of New Gloucester, Maine, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on August 1st after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Born on May 3rd, 1962, in Portland, Maine, Julie was the daughter of Herbert and Sally Powers. She grew up in Cumberland, Maine, and graduated from Greely High School in 1980. Julie went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Southern Maine in 1985, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1987. In 1995, she completed her Master’s in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. Julie began teaching English at her alma mater, Greely High School, before transitioning to her lifelong career as a school librarian. She dedicated 30 years to this work, spending 17 years at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham, Maine, and 13 years at Poland Regional High School and Bruce M. Whittier Middle School in Poland, Maine.
Julie married Jeff Purdy on August 11, 1990, and together they shared 34 years of marriage and had 1 daughter, Hannah. Julie cherished the summers spent taking Hannah to the beach, and enjoyed family vacations when school was not in session. Julie enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. Julie’s love for books and reading led her to a career helping students discover books that they love. She was known for creating a welcoming and supportive space for everyone around her. Most of all, Julie loved having a home filled with laughter, love, and the joyful noise of Hannah’s friends. As a member of the Bible Believing Baptist Church in Gray, Maine, Julie found great fulfillment in teaching and leading the Sunday School program for many years.
Julie is survived by her husband, Jeff, and her daughter, Hannah, both of New Gloucester, Maine. Her brother, Paul, and sister in-law, Kelly, of Freeport, Maine, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Sally Powers of Cumberland, Maine.
A graveside service will be held at the Lower Gloucester Cemetery on Thursday, August 7th at 11:00am, followed by a reception at Bible Believing Baptist Church in Gray, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program in Scarborough, Maine: fundraising.mmc.org/mccp-donate-now
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the care and support given by the providers, nurses, CNAs, medical assistants, and volunteers at New England Cancer Specialists, Maine Medical Center Oncology, and The Gosnell House.
Pastor Vail will Officiate.