Julia Wallin

Julia Parker Wallin

Passed away on January 12, 2023, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks ND.

Julia had a vivacious love of life. Music was a part of her soul.

Always a gracious hostess, she loved holding gatherings in her home in Grand Forks as well as at the family cottage in Ponemah, MB.

She cherished relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Maintaining these connections throughout the years was evidenced by the 200+ Christmas cards sent out one holiday season.

With style, charm and a compassionate, generous spirit Julia made lasting and many new friendships everywhere she went.

Always seeing the positive in people and in life, our Julia will be missed by many.

She was born in Flin Flon, MB in 1938 to Bill and Olive Lewthwaite. The family moved to Emerson MB in the mid 40’s. Mum appreciated growing up in a small town and shared many stories of the adventures she had with her gal pals and often her little sister Bridget with whom she shared a special bond tagging along.

Julia attended Belmoral Hall, U of MB and later graduated from St Boniface School of Nursing in  Winnipeg MB.

Julia married Ken Bailey in 1959. Together they spent time living in England-where daughter Rochelle was born, Montreal, Toronto-where son Kevin was born and ending in Winnipeg.

Her marriage to Paul Wallin in 1975 brought Julia and family to Grand Forks ND where she continued with her nursing career which enabled Julia to care for others in many capacities. She was a Psychiatric Nurse with NEHSC for 25+ years dispensing meds as well as sage advice and words of wisdom to clients and co-workers. Julia even came out of retirement to fill in at NEHSC when needed.

Facing the challenges in her life, which included 2 floods and the passing of her husband Paul, Julia handled them all head on, with true grit, and determination.  Traits which along with her spirit for life have been instilled in her children.

Community was also important to Julia. She was an enthusiastic participant in many local organizations.  From Curling, The Sweet Adeline’s, church choirs and the Fire Hall Theatre to birding, book, music, and supper Clubs, she gave 100%. Including serving as past president of both the GF Curling Club and The Fire Hall Theatre.

A love of traveling followed Julia her whole life, with special trips to 2 Olympics (Montreal and Los Angles), Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and many visits to BC to spend time with son Kevin and Grandson Jake. Summers at the cottage on Lake Winnipeg with her daughter Rochelle, and the numerous family and friends that came to stay was a time Julia looked forward to every year.

Julia was preceded by her husband Paul and sister Bridget. Survived by daughter Rochelle; son Kevin; grandson Jacob; brother in law Gary (Dianne); and many nephews and cousins.

In these past years Mum was also able to stay in her beloved and treasured home largely due to the generous help of special neighbors Deb and Catherine and special home helper Nancy.

Julia also remained a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, and Federated Church in Grand Forks.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Valley Senior Living (Columbia) and Red River Valley Hospice for their care of Julia. Rochelle is especially appreciative of the care and support from the 2 Ruby’s, Hunter, Kimberly of Valley, Brittany of Hospice, and Caroline of Altru and good friend Kris LaDouceur.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring at The Family of God Church in East Grand Forks ND.

Notification of date will be in the Spring and published in the Grand Forks Herald Obituary section.

The family requests in lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

Praire Paws Rescue P.O. Box 1114 Jamestown ND 58401
(As they were able to find Mums precious companion Bon Ami a new forever home)