MURRAY, Julia Murray

Of Owen Sound, Ontario, in her 80th year, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at Grey Bruce Hospice Chapman House on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Born in St. Catharines, Ontario on November 26, 1946 to immigrant parents Paul Sebesta of Popudiny, Czechoslovakia and Helen Mihalec of Frydman, Poland, she was the eldest of their 5 children.

Beloved wife of John Alexander Murray of 57 years, married August 30, 1969 in Port Credit, Ontario. Loving mother of Aaron and Natalie (nee Stephens) Murray, and April and Christian Melis. Cherished grandma of John “Jack” Murray (Sierra Hardwick), Charlotte Murray (Marshall Knight), Ashton Melis, James “Avery” Murray, and Noelle Melis. Dear sister of Elizabeth “Betty” Stevenson (Bob), Paul and Darlene (nee King) Sebesta, James “Jim” and Christine (nee Farrar) Sebesta, and Dave and Karen (nee Kibuspu) Sebesta. Julie will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Julia Murray was predeceased by her parents Paul and Helen Sebesta, brother Jim Sebesta and brother in-law Bob Stevenson.

During Julie’s early years, the Sebesta family resided in Toronto, operating the Casa Loma Motel on Lakeshore and grocery store at Queen and Spadina. Later the family moved to Port Credit, Ontario, where Julie would meet her husband John at Gordon Graydon High School. Julie went on to attend the University of Western Ontario where she graduated as a Registered Dietician.

Julie and John moved to Owen Sound, Ontario in 1971 renovating a cottage in Balmy Beach where they raised her “wonderful” family, building an extended family of neighbours over their 50 years, who’s children considered her as another mother.

Julie fondly recalled her career of 22 years as a dietician at the Owen Sound Hospital, helping her patients with their dietary needs and making lifelong friendships with treasured colleagues. After retirement she travelled the world, visiting Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Morrocco and Türkiye. She recalled her travels in China as her most memorable experience.

Julie was well known for her athletics, playing tennis, volleyball and recently pickleball, even playing through her treatments. She will be remembered by her “girls” who continued to support her.

In her final days, Julie expressed her immense pride for her family and wishes for their happiness, wanting to be remembered as a nice person and described by those as flawless. True to herself, she was only saddened that she wouldn’t be there for her grandchildren’s weddings.

The family would like to thank the hospital staff that supported her through her journey and those at Chapman House that created a peaceful and home-like environment for her passing.

In keeping with Julie’s wishes, cremation is taking place and a private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Grey Bruce Hospice Chapman House and/or the Canadian Cancer Society are appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to Julie’s family by visiting her memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.