Julie C. Leahy

Julie C. Leahy-Eavenson left the world as she lived in it, peacefully and with grace. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, dear friend and dedicated special education teacher. She found a great community of fellow teachers at the Westchester Middle School, where she taught and advocated for students for many years.

Julie was an avid reader and writer, who even met her beloved husband, Dan, at a writer’s group at their local library. The two would regularly share their home with friends and family for game nights, in which Julie was often the winner. She never went a day without challenging her mind with games of chess.

Julie had pursuits and crafts that she worked on. She shared as much as she could with her students by starting knitting and gardening clubs while always encouraging them to tell their own stories. In all things, she tried to shape the world with compassion and grace. If you would like to remember her, she would only ask that you do the same.

Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s in Wilmette, IL on June 18th at 10:00 AM. This service will be live streamed on the St. Joseph’s YouTube channel at the same time (Central Time Zone) for those that cannot attend in person.

A fund has been set up with 826chi.com to help children learn creative writing. As an author herself, Julie loved to foster storytelling in all its forms with friends and students alike. You can honor her and the mission of 826chi at: https://give.classy.org/julie-leahy

A fund at Julie’s school has been set up to maintain the garden that Julie helped to grow at Westchester Middle School. To contribute to this fund, please make a check out to Westchester Public Schools, District 92 1/2 and in the memo section please write Leahy Garden Fund. If it is a cash donation, please put your name and Leahy Garden Fund on the envelope. Donations can also be mailed to Westchester Middle School, 1620 Norfolk Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154