April 13, 2007

Her bright flame burned for all of us

Jules passed away at home April 13th, 2007 at 44 years of age. She was born in Newport News, Virginia and the oldest of three daughters. She died peacefully after a 1 1/2 year bout with cancer. Jules had a unique living memorial in January to say goodbye to her loved ones. This allowed a wonderful completeness to acknowledging the value of her bright flame that burned for all of us. She has joined her father Lawrence Benen, who we lost 3 years ago, and with whom she was very close. Jules had danced all her life and found great joy in it. She was a great mother, wife, sister, daughter, mentor, healer, loyal friend, positive thinker, great cook, interior decorator, and loved to host dinner parties at home with good friends. Jules found a way to get things done and had a magnetic personality. Jules is survived by her husband Michael, and children Alison - 11, Joseph - 9, and Francesca - 6, as well as her Mother and Stepfather Elaine and Art Swartz, and sisters Sandie Benen and Paula Herz. Jules appreciated the wonderful doctors at SCCA and UW, hospice caregivers, our Dickinson school and neighborhood community for their never ending support throughout this period. Jules lived life true to her philosophy of life that is encapsulated in one of her favorite quotes 'Leap and the net will appear'. We will all miss her, but find comfort in knowing she is here in spirit and always will be.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A private memorial service will be held with close friends and family.

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers and to honor Julie’s passion for integrative medicine, remembrances can be made to UW Foundation - Julie Becker fund and sent to:

UW Medicine Development 1325 4th Avenue, Suite 2000 Seattle, WA 98101