Obituary for Julia Taylor
Julia K. Taylor ended her life on January 24, 2022 at the age of 18. She was a young adult with high dreams and goals, known to neighbors and friends as a shining light with boundless energy. It is the world’s loss, that we will never get to see what she could have achieved, or the adult that she would have become.
Julia was born on March 29, 2003 in Khabarovsk, Russian Federation. Just before her 3rd birthday she was adopted and brought to the US by her mother and grandmother.
Julia is remembered by those who knew her well as an animal lover, a hard worker and budding entrepreneur, and a caring friend. She had a boyfriend of nearly 18 months, and a small core of good friends that she had gathered around herself. Julia was very proud of a dog walking and pet sitting business that she started when she was 14. Through her business she was able to earn her own money, giving her a strong sense of independence, meaning, and maturity. Taking good care of her customers (both pets and owners) helped her learn responsibility and organization. Julia was willing to work hard at anything that mattered to her, overcoming setbacks and putting that boundless energy to work for herself.
Julia did not have an easy time growing up. She was not always able to communicate how she was experiencing the world, which often overwhelmed her, leading to challenges with anxiety and anger. She worked hard in school despite grappling with ADHD and other learning challenges. She learned to stand up for herself and for others after experiencing bullying in middle school.
Julia was looking forward to officially starting college in the fall, and was planning on majoring in psychology in order to better understand the struggles that people face in coping with mental health challenges.
Julia is survived by her mother Barb and her brothers Chris and Nik, by her cat Tony and her cockatiel Derp, by her chosen “Dad” Sam and her boyfriend Andon, and by grandparents, great aunts, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and California.
We will hold a casual, active outdoor celebration of Julia and all that was important to her in late spring, with pets invited. Arrangements will be announced later. In lieu of flowers or for those who wish to make a donation in her honor, please consider a suicide prevention organization or a pet rescue/animal shelter of your choice.
Julia was born on March 29, 2003 in Khabarovsk, Russian Federation. Just before her 3rd birthday she was adopted and brought to the US by her mother and grandmother.
Julia is remembered by those who knew her well as an animal lover, a hard worker and budding entrepreneur, and a caring friend. She had a boyfriend of nearly 18 months, and a small core of good friends that she had gathered around herself. Julia was very proud of a dog walking and pet sitting business that she started when she was 14. Through her business she was able to earn her own money, giving her a strong sense of independence, meaning, and maturity. Taking good care of her customers (both pets and owners) helped her learn responsibility and organization. Julia was willing to work hard at anything that mattered to her, overcoming setbacks and putting that boundless energy to work for herself.
Julia did not have an easy time growing up. She was not always able to communicate how she was experiencing the world, which often overwhelmed her, leading to challenges with anxiety and anger. She worked hard in school despite grappling with ADHD and other learning challenges. She learned to stand up for herself and for others after experiencing bullying in middle school.
Julia was looking forward to officially starting college in the fall, and was planning on majoring in psychology in order to better understand the struggles that people face in coping with mental health challenges.
Julia is survived by her mother Barb and her brothers Chris and Nik, by her cat Tony and her cockatiel Derp, by her chosen “Dad” Sam and her boyfriend Andon, and by grandparents, great aunts, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and California.
We will hold a casual, active outdoor celebration of Julia and all that was important to her in late spring, with pets invited. Arrangements will be announced later. In lieu of flowers or for those who wish to make a donation in her honor, please consider a suicide prevention organization or a pet rescue/animal shelter of your choice.