Julia Fay MacMillan

Julia’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by the countless quiet ways she showed up for the people around her. A long-time member and volunteer at Beverly Methodist Church, Julia gave freely of her time and energy, running the church thrift store for many years and offering help wherever it was needed. She embodied a spirit of service, whether that meant helping care for a friend, assisting her sister with housework and raising their grandchildren, or simply lending a hand before it was asked. A proud and passionate Phillies and Cubs fan, Julia remained true to her team to the end. Cheering them on just a week before her passing. Her enthusiasm for baseball matched her energy; always active, always doing, and always giving.

Family was at the center of Julia’s world. She raised her grandchildren like they were her own—picking them up from school, helping them with homework, and even teaching them how to read. She found joy in everyday moments and traditions: baking Christmas cookie trays each year with her daughter, hosting her beloved Christmas Eve and Memorial Day parties, her famous potato salad was also a hit, and attending local parades, especially on Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

Julia was a woman who found happiness in the simple things. Wednesday nights she would play cards with her sons and most of the time she would beat the pants off them! Saturday afternoons at the horse races with her late husband John, whom she met through in-laws and loved dearly. Sundays John and Julia would be in the same pew at church for over 70 years.  They were opposites in many ways, but their love was deep and enduring. Together, they raised a family rooted in kindness, hard work, and loyalty.

Julia is predeceased by her husband John, her siblings Florence, George, and Richard, and her parents Rose and Richard.

She is survived by her children William (Diane), Scott (Sharon), John, and Julianne (Stephen), her grandchildren Ian (Nina), Scott, Colin (Kelly), Steven Jr, and her great grandchildren Fiona and Agatha.

Come celebrate 95 great years on Friday June 20th at Beverly Methodist Church, where there will be a calling from 10am to 11am with a service to follow at 11am. Interment immediately to follow at Monument Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to https://www.samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/ or mail to Samaritan Gift Processing Center, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425.