Julie Mary McCann

Julie Mary McCann heard Jesus call her name and she took His hand on Sunday, July 25, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her loving mother, Therese Martin McCann, and her brothers and sisters: Carolyn M. Haar, Sheila M. Butler (Robert J. Butler), David G. McCann (Laurie H. McCann), Sandi M. Fury (Blaine S. Fury), and Joanie M. Bernius (John F. Bernius), 18 nieces and nephews, and 21 great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving father who she affectionately called “Partner”, Wesley David McCann, her brother, David P. McCann and brother-in-law, Michael P. Haar.

God obviously had a plan and something special in mind when He sent us Julie. Julie came into this world on January 12, 1968, born to proud parents and welcomed by her cast of character siblings. While we knew Julie was special, just how special she was would only be understood over the next 53 years. During that time, we had the opportunity to help and watch Julie accomplish things beyond imaginable. Julie exposed us to the world of special needs people where we were welcomed by her amazing friends who, like Julie, exuded joy and love unconditionally. While Julie was born with Downs syndrome, our parents made sure Julie’s exceptionalities were viewed as gifts and set high expectations for her inclusiveness. As a result, not only was Julie a part of our world, but she became the center of our world. Julie loved her family with all she had, and we loved her back with a vengeance. Through her life, she reminded us that sometimes the simplest of things are often the absolute best and to us, Julie was just that…the best!

Julie’s love for Jesus and Mary was evident in how she lived, and they watched over her and protected her every day until the end. She was very active in St. Edward the Confessor Parish, where she attended daily Mass and was a member of the Altar Society. Her presence was never missed at church as she was a regular in bringing up the gifts and if not, her distinct voice could always be picked out of the crowd as she actively participated in prayer and song. She loved to teach the little ones about Jesus, whether it be helping with Vacation Bible School during the summers or with the Children’s Liturgy on Sundays. In 2001, she was awarded the St. Eddy Award, nominated not only for her service to the parish community but as a person who was viewed by others to “lead by example, with purity of heart and visible love for God in everything she did”.

Julie’s home away from home was St. Michael’s Special School, where she started at the early age of 7 years old. She later graduated and then proceeded to work at St. Michael’s Joy Center, a vocational rehab center. She was a diligent and hard worker and loved their many activities. Julie’s most cherished memories while at St. Michael’s included being the lector at special school liturgies, participating in the St. Michael’s Bell Choir, participating in the Special Olympics, delivering balloon bouquets from Joy Balloons, and making arts and crafts that would be sold at school fundraisers. She stayed active at St. Michael’s until 2017, when she retired at the age of 48 due to her decline from the onset of Alzheimer’s. We are thankful for St. Michael’s Special School providing Julie with a safe place to thrive. Outside of St. Michael’s, We Care provided continuous opportunities for social activities with her friends that she cherished.

Julie was easy to love, and that love proved to be contagious. As a result, Julie was surrounded by those who loved her, family and others continuously until the end. We extend great appreciation to those who helped us care for Julie as we would have: to her many aides, Pat, Toreal, Alva and Alicia, without your help, our boat would have sunk; to Notre Dame Hospice, you helped us care for Julie and navigate her final days reassuring that we did our best; and to the Sister Servants of Mary, witnessing your ministry to Julie and our mother has been an incredible gift to which we cannot thank you enough.

Family and Friends are invited to a celebration Mass of Julie’s life at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church – 4921 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, LA 70001, on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 11:00 a.m., until Mass time. Interment will be at St. Patrick No.1 Cemetery, 5000 Canal St., New Orleans, LA.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Michael’s Special School, 1532 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; or to the Sister Servants of Mary, 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122, would be appreciated.

The funeral Mass will be recorded for those unable to attend. Contact a family member for details.