Julia Laura Croke

Julia passed away on March 7, 2025 in Ottawa with her daughter, Meaghan Haughian, and longtime friend, Judy Richardson, by her side. She is survived and grieved for by her daughter Meaghan (Stephane Bisson); son Robbie Stewart (Karen); grandsons Winston, Connor, Bryce, Jordan; granddaughter Lacey; siblings Gloria Croke, Bruce Croke (Mary), Eileen Millett, twin sister Judy Caines; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Joe Croke and sister Helen Croke.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 6, 1953, Julia was the middle child (and a twin) in a family with seven children. She returned to high school as a young adult and remained a knowledge seeker throughout her life, earning a Master of Social Work from Carleton University in Ottawa and, in her later years, two master’s degrees in Adult Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto. Julia was compassionate, non-conformist and resourceful. She worked at Interval House, a women’s shelter in Ottawa, and as a social worker, treating each person as an individual rather than a number.

Julia was a kind, gentle woman with a warm heart and playful spirit. She had a special ability to connect with those in need, always taking time to acknowledge others – whether a longtime friend or a stranger at the coffee shop. She kept gifts on hand “just in case” and went out of her way to make people feel special. Julia was highly creative and this energy took many forms throughout her life – writing poetry and songs, playing the guitar, creating stained glass and dream catchers, dancing and singing. Later in life, she created and collected jewellery, most of which were given away to friends and family. Julia enjoyed walks with friends from Carillon Housing Co-op in Ottawa, where she lived for several years in the 1980s-90s, and exploring Toronto, where she moved in the 1990s to further her education.

In her late fifties, Julia began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. She spent the last 12 years of her life in long-term care homes, primarily at The Glebe Centre where she joined the choir and participated in the art program whenever possible. She will be remembered as generous, sensitive and tenacious; a proud mom who loved hugs and often joked that she gave Meg her artistic genes.

A Celebration of Life with close friends will take place on May 25 at All Saints in Ottawa, and in July with family in Nova Scotia. If you wish to remember Julia, please consider donating to Interval House or The Glebe Centre in her honour or take a moment to help someone feel special.