Sister Julie Marie

Sister Julie Marie                               ND 4636                                    PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary Maurene)

Julie Theresa GILMORE

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:              October 2, 1934    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:   August 16, 1955    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:            May 17, 2022         Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:            May 26, 2022         Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio

“May the angels lead you…”

Julie Theresa was the fourth of the five children born to William and Mary Ellen (Duddy) Gilmore. She and her siblings learned from their parents, emigrants from County Mayo, the importance of education and the value of hard work. Strong Catholic faith and Irish culture were integral parts of their lives. After graduation from St. Thomas Aquinas School in Cleveland, Julie attended Notre Dame Academy – just across the street from her elementary school. Though she had considered religious life at an early age, she dismissed the thought in high school. She was accepted into St. Alexis School of Nursing. But during her senior year retreat, “God made it very clear what was wanted of me, and I knew I could do nothing else,” she wrote. Julie entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on September 8, 1952, and at investment received the name Sister Mary Maurene.

Sister Julie Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. She was missioned to teach in elementary school for eight years and then was appointed elementary principal. It was difficult for her to leave the classroom but her personal and professional qualities made her an excellent administrator. Respect for students, teachers and parents fostered collaboration and participation in the educational process. She placed a high value on the academic progress of each child and was attentive to meeting each one’s needs.

From 1980-1991, at the recommendation of the sisters, Sister Julie Marie was asked to serve as a regional superior. Her deep spirit of prayer was rooted in a firm faith balanced by a delightful, playful sense of humor. Sister was highly respected for her integrity, compassion and understanding. She viewed this ministry as an opportunity to relate to the sisters on a deeper level and was enriched as she reflected on the goodness of each sister and her desire to grow.

When Sister Julie Marie transitioned from the formal education setting in 2001, she volunteered as tutor and then, for the next 17 years, as office assistant at Metro Catholic School in Cleveland.

Sister moved to the provincial center in 2018 and enjoyed activities in community and visits with her beloved family. She discovered an unknown, natural talent for painting and created lovely pieces with love. Sister wrote, “God has been very good to me. He placed me in situations where I was stretched and challenged and put people in my life who have given me support and the impetus I needed to grow. This is a tremendous blessing.” Sister met physical challenges and declining health with a positive attitude and her legendary sense of humor. May our good and loving God now hold Sister Julie Marie in the palm of his hand for all eternity.