Julia "Julie" Ann Glenn

Julia “Julie” Ann Glenn, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, at Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, Virginia, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 69 years old. Born on November 30, 1955, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois, Julie was the cherished daughter of Casimer Joseph Gulczynski of Bradley, IL, and Mary Edith Butler of Chebanse, IL. A lifelong resident of Kankakee County, Illinois, Julie had recently relocated to Rileyville, Virginia, to be with her family for the final six months of her life. Julie was a graduate of Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School and earned her associate degree as a Laboratory Medical Technician from Kankakee Community College. Always drawn to helping others, she later returned to KCC and graduated with an associate degree in Applied Science of Nursing in 2006. Her career was marked by compassion and dedication. Julie retired after 30 years of service from Fox Developmental Center in Dwight, IL, and then began a new chapter as a registered nurse, working in telemetry, wound care, and hospice—fields that perfectly suited her nurturing heart and love of science. Julie had an adventurous spirit and a passion for creativity. She was an accomplished painter, photographer, and crafter. She loved scuba diving (earning her Dive Master certification), skydiving, and traveling the world with her family. She enjoyed tennis and golf, horseback riding, and any excuse to be outdoors. Julie had a deep love for animals and spent years breeding, training, and showing Irish Wolfhounds. Whether lure coursing, participating in dog shows, or exploring agility and scent work, she poured her heart into every endeavor. Above all, Julie found her greatest joy in being a mother to her three daughters: Kelly Ann Frey (Daniel), Kristen Marie Blyth (Michael), and Megan Renee Todd (Richard Joseph). She adored and cherished her sons-in-law, not only for the love they give her daughters, but for the deep support and strength they brought to her family. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Alexander Jack Blyth, Sam Rose Blyth, Brooklynn Renee Todd, Christopher Joseph Blyth, Kaitlynn Ann Todd, Daniel Glenn Frey, Casimer Joseph Frey, Joseph Winston Frey, Brook Autumn Blyth, and Megan Ann Blyth. She now joins in peace her beloved grandson, Michael Jonathan Blyth. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she truly lived for them. Julie is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Patrick Lee Gulczynski (Lynese), Michael Dennis Gulczynski, Mary Ann Condit (Dennis), and Geralyn Jane Orta (Ronald). She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers James Joseph Gulczynski and Stanley Gulczynski. She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews Brandy, Jeff, Jaime, Jason, Sarah, and Shaun. Throughout her life, Julie faced multiple cancer diagnoses with resilience and grace. She never let her illness define her—she lived on her own terms, with fierce independence, unwavering strength, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone around her. Julie’s heart was as bold as it was kind. She was outgoing, fun-loving, fierce, and endlessly strong. Her motto—“Don’t worry until there’s something to worry about”—was not just a saying but a way of life. She lived fully and fearlessly, gave selflessly, and created a legacy of love, courage, and joy. Whether singing oldies, telling nursery rhymes to her children and grandchildren, or simply being present in the lives of those she loved, she made every moment count. Julie was a lifelong caregiver, an amazing friend, a brilliant role model, and above all, the heart of her family. Her spirit, laughter, and strength will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. memorial service on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to the Family Wishes.

Julia "Julie" Ann Glenn

November 30, 1955 - May 30, 2025