Julie M. Jarratt's Obituary
Our dear mother of 3, grandmother of 4 and great grandmother of 2, Julie Jarratt entered Heaven’s gate on Friday May 26th, at the age of 86. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when we needed her. She never missed a swim meet, water polo game or dog show in support of her family and friends.
She was a beloved childcare provider and helped raise so many children throughout her career of over 60 years. Her way with children was kind, nurturing and loving. Not a day went by without a big hug and a song “You are my sunshine”. She sang that to us as kids and continued to do so with all her daycare kids.
Our mom came to the US by an arranged marriage when she was 20. She came with her strong personality and determination to be successful. She was a single mom for years and had her share of struggles during that time, but her strength was undeniable and remarkable. She was still able to continue her school, to become a US citizen and learn the English language, all while working at the cannery for many years.
She never forgot where she came from. For years she humbly gathered clothes, shoes and toys for the people of her country, that didn’t have the things she worked so hard to have here in the States. She continued to help her friends and family even if she didn’t have it. Her generosity was profound.
She had so many friends and was a well-loved member of the community both in Alameda and Cape Verde. She loved her animals! She had poodles, great danes, cats, birds and even a turtle that had been found in the neighborhood. She was an avid Raider fan. She held season tickets for years in the “Black Hole”. Like we said she was a tough lady. You always knew it was a game day as she had Raider everything, from hat to shoes and everything in between.
Our mom was known as the “Bling Lady" everything and anything from sunglasses to shoes had some kind of bling. Even her fingernails. She was a classy lady and always dressed to a tea. Inside and out, anyone that knew her or just met her, Loved her!
She never missed a birthday or a special event. She always took the time needed to find the perfect card and signed it, “I love you very much” xoxoxoxo Mom...She always enjoyed our daily phone calls but don’t call during her soaps, Raider or Warrior games. She would either not answer the phone, or would and say, “Do you know what time it is?" We always knew to just call back later.
She had so many hidden talents. She was an awesome seamstress. She made such beautiful outfits for us,our barbie’s and her dogs, especially Athena and Sweetie, whom she loved so much. She could fix or sew anything from dog dresses to drapes. She even made some beautiful porcelain dolls, which we will have forever to remember her.
We all have so many fond memories with our mom & grandma. She was truly the center of our world and life will never be the same. We know that we can’t have you but we’re happy knowing that the angels have finally got you back. Goodbye to a wonderful woman and a beautiful mother ...until we meet again.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Richard Jarratt Sr and leaves behind her 2 daughters, Nina Alves and Darlene Simpson, daughter in law Sue Alexander, her son Richard Jarratt Jr., her son in law Chet Simpson, her grandsons Ernie Winslow, Trevor, Justin and Logan Simpson, and 2 great granddaughters Ariana and Moriah Winslow.
What’s your fondest memory of Julie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Julie?
Share a story where Julie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Julie you’ll never forget.
How did Julie make you smile?