Julia Ann Kane

This is a testimony of Julie Ann O’Meara-Fitzpatrick-Kane’s total trust in God and her profoundly deep friendship, yes friendship, with Jesus.

Way back in the 1900’s, Margaret (Maggie) O’Meara was living her best life on the lush green meadows of Ireland, with God, family, hard work, song and dance. It was a financially challenged, but happy, life.

As was customary at the time, many Irish immigrated to America, coming to Ellis Island, and gaining employment to send money back to their impoverished families. Such was Maggie’s fate, which she greatly lamented. She resisted leaving Ireland but did as she was told. Maggie eventually met Michael Fitzpatrick at an Irish gathering. They fell deeply in love, settled on Girard Avenue in West Philly, were blessed with children: Michael, Margaret, John, Baby Tommy who died as a toddler, William, Ann and finally the cherished youngest of the family, Julia (or Judy) Ann Fitzpatrick. 

Julie was unbelievably intelligent, so much so, her oldest brother Michael wanted to finance her college education. Julie instead decided to follow her other siblings, and work to contribute to her family’s household.

All the while, following the example of her deeply religious mom and dad, Julie began everyday with daily Mass, offering every single moment up to the greater honor and glory to God.

The rest is history, as they say. Julie became the most beloved mommy to Maryanne and Johnny and was totally responsible for Maryanne becoming a music teacher and Johnny becoming a jeweler.

Julie was an accountant at PNC bank for over thirty years. At the age of 70, Julie followed through on her older brother’s wish and went to Delaware County Community College, successfully obtaining certification in computer science. Julie also elected to attend a few undergraduate courses at Saint Joseph’s University on City Line Avenue.

Typical to a life of service, Julie for many years volunteered as a caregiver at Saint Francis Country Home in Darby. She donated her skills as an experienced accountant to Saint Joseph’s Church on Sundays in the position of a banker.

Along with COVID, Julie bravely survived four compression fractures of the spine. Many times, her family thought she was going back to God, only to witness Julie rallying through, giving her the well-deserved nickname, “Lazzerine!”

Lying on her sick bed, Julie often said, “If I wake up tomorrow here on earth, I’m blessed to see the faces of my children. If I wake up tomorrow in heaven, I’ll be most honored to feel the loving embrace of my God.”

Today, we celebrate Julie hugging Jesus and, from time-to-time, tidying up after some messy saints and angels.

We are celebrating Julia’s going home to Jesus on Friday, December 27, 2024. Viewing 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 500 Woodlawn Ave, Collingdale, PA 19023, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment Private. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations go to the School Taxes Fund at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 500 Woodlawn Ave, Collingdale, PA 19023.