Julie A. Henderson, age 53, of Chicago passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Seasons Hospice, Swedish Covenant Hospital. She was born December 15, 1966 to James and Judith (Holmes) Henderson in Rockford, IL. She grew up in Holland, MI and Valparaiso, IN. Julie graduated from Indiana University in 1989 with degrees in Art History and Italian. Upon graduation, she moved to Chicago where she worked at Art Mecca for several years before moving on to Morningstar. She then decided to fulfill her calling by earning her Master’s degree in teaching from DePaul University. She graduated in 1999 and started teaching Italian to students in kindergarten through 8th grade, first at Sayre Language Academy and then at AJLA. Her students were her world, and she was so excited to be able to take a few groups to tour Italy. Over the past several years, Julie developed her artistic talent in photography. Her photographs are reflective of how she viewed life and the world. She saw beauty in the mundane and broken as well as in the classically beautiful. She treasured the many family gatherings, trips, and celebrations. Julie is survived by her loving parents Jim and Judy, dear sister Jennifer, as well as beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. She will be remembered by her smile that lit up every room and her generous spirit that touched many hearts. If you would like to make a donation in Julie’s honor, consider Gilda’s Club (https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/ways-give/donate/general-donations ), PAWS Chicago (https://www.pawschicago.org/how-to-help/donate/), or Dysautonomia International – the POTS research fund (https://dysautonomiainternational.salsalabs.org/donate/index.html ). Or you can go out into the world and spread kindness. A private burial will take place at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. A celebration of life is planned for summer 2021.
Such a loss of such a kind spirit. Peace to all who knew Julie, her spirit carries on in all of us.
I’m so sorry for the world’s loss. Julie will always be remembered as a shining spirit. My family is so sorry for the grief Julie’s family is experiencing. Know that she is missed and that you are in many people’s prayers. Sincerely, Donna P
My family truly adored Signora Henderson! She had a beautiful spirit and was very loving. Heaven has gained an Angel. She will be missed!
Julie was one of a kind…she had such a positive outlook and zest for life and found humor in everything (and always made me laugh!). She always had a kind word when you needed it most no matter what she is was experiencing herself. She is and will always be missed terribly. My thoughts are with you Jim, Judy and Jenn. Jenn – I always think Julie is up with my older sister Teresa and they are having a great time together and probably laughing like crazy. 🙂 xoxo
Ms. Henderson was one of a kind! I was in her Italian class at AJLA (Andrew Jackson Language Academy) I saw her 9 months before she passed and we hugged for a few minutes and cried and talked to each other. She told me how proud she was of me and to let her know about prom and graduation. Ms. Henderson ALWAYS believed in me and pushed me to be a great student! She was gentle with me and on days I was down, she’d come see me through out the day to make sure I was okay! I loved and cherished every moment I had with her and those are times I wish I still had! We never got to go on our trip to Italy at the end of 8th grade year, but I will make it my mission to go in her honor in the near future! Ms. Henderson you are truly missed!