Julia TwilaJo Caron

Julia TwilaJo Caron was born on July 16, 2007, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park MN. She died peacefully in her Maple Grove home on September 15, 2024. When Julia passed into the arms of Jesus she was surrounded by her Mom and Dad, Calvin, Ben and Will. Her grandparents were there to say a final goodbye as we worshiped with church online just hours before she took her final breath. Many people visited her over the summer and in the last few years, she was always eagerly anticipating those times!

From the moment she was born she never stopped bringing joy into her family and friends’ lives. Her curiosity, humor, and unforgettable laugh were infectious. Julia loved competition of all kinds including playing Nintendo with siblings and board games with everyone! Just a few days before she passed there was a raucous game of Mario Kart with Calvin, Ben and Will. Watching tv shows and movies was something she loved these last years as she had little energy, but it wasn’t a spectator sport. Long stretches of talking and laughing ensued while watching and snacking. She loved and admired her siblings so much and never backed down with her competitive spirit between them. She was most happy in their company. She did crafts, art, music, games, and quilting with Dad. With Mom, it was planning and living life which included talking, shopping, thrifting, singing in the car to the radio, caring for her together Julia doing the heavy lifting, and of course finishing each other's sentences and thoughts throughout it all while attached at the hip.

As a young child she was always so exuberant and cheerful! Grandpa and Grandma Huisken would get her up and off to school and said she was always so happy and pleasant even right when she woke up. If she ever fell, she jumped right back up and didn’t want to be fussed over. She knew what she wanted in the best of ways. She moved in a pack of kids, with her siblings, daycare, and neighborhood friends. Favorite memories of Julia’s were meeting at “the park”, making snow forts at recess, sledding and ice skating in the neighborhood, bike rides, garage dance parties, drawing and crafting, trick or treating, days at the pool, days on the boat, Christmases, Easters, Thanksgivings and birthdays with family at Grandparents’ and Aunt Dawn’s house. Core memories also included vacations at Norway Lake with the Huiskens and Trouts, summers in Montana with Grandpa and Grandma Caron and the Johnsons over the 4th of July, games and meals with Grandma Jo and Grandpa Stan at their house and quilting with Grandma at her shop with Dad.

As she aged, Julia’s passion and curiosity for life grew deeper. She found confidence in her gifts as an artist and student. She most enjoyed painting, sketching, digital art and quilting. Since she was first talking she was fascinated with color, design, and clothing. She loved choosing outfits daily even until her very last week on earth. Planning for Halloween costumes started months in advance by Julia and mom—but were executed by Julia and Dad’s crafting/sewing. Dances in high school were the same, but were made even more special by all the friends that included her.

Julia moved us with her acting and musicianship as a pianist, cellist, vocalist, and cast member in multiple theater productions. She flourished as a seeker of beauty in God’s creation through her academic achievements. She was most proud of her work in advanced math classes and AP Biology at Maple Grove Senior High.The staff at MGSH loved her and moved heaven and earth to help her participate as much as possible. Teachers from all grades kept in touch and attended her events. Julia enjoyed worshiping at church and cherished the times she had with her friends and counselors in the various youth groups. Her faith especially grew while in the GEMS program at church with Bible studies, camping trips, teas, crafts, games, harvest festivals, and of course singing and praising the Lord.

The care team at M Health Fairview Children’s Masonic and the Journey Clinic built a deep relationship with Julia founded on trust. They always had her back and would do their absolute best to give her both world class treatments and autonomy in having choices throughout this difficult last 3.5 years.

Julia was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, student, and friend anyone could ever wish for. Even in the deepest struggles with osteosarcoma cancer that took over her body, she was unrelenting in her interest in the lives of those around her, finding joy in learning about other’s passions, gifts, and pursuits. She was an inspiration to everyone that knew her, because she knew how to live life and love others to the fullest.

May Julia’s life inspire us all to find the gifts that God lavishes on us. She would want us to never take them for granted, and share the joy they bring with others. Laugh, chat, sing, worship, cry, love, all this and more with gratitude and fullness of the life God gives us.

Julia is survived by her loving parents Matt and Paula; her siblings Calvin (24), Ben (22), and Will (19); grandparents; Eugene and Twila Huisken, JoAnn and Stanley Atkins, Theodore and Gail Caron; Aunt Dawn Huisken, Uncle Jay and Aunt Dee Huisken, Uncle Vincent Atkins, and her beloved cousins; Ashley (Mat), Ross (Jenni), Melissa, and Olivia.

Celebration of Life/Visitation

October 4th 3-5 PM

Arboretum Angel of Hope

9400 Fernbrook Ln N

Maple Grove, MN 55369

*We request that adjacent parking be reserved for close family and those with mobility needs

**There is plenty of parking at the high school just up the road for those that can walk

Memorial Service

October 5th 11:00 AM

(Seating starts at 10:15)

Faith Christian Reformed Church

1600 Silver Lake Road

New Brighton, MN

A special thank you to the huge community and “village” that it took to properly care for Julia these past three years and 7 months. Things would have been much different without all the care, love, prayers and specific support that allowed us to pay bills, stay in our home and still have sufficient time to be with Julia 24/7. Julia did not view her life as tragic, she loved life with such inspirational vigor. She never once said “why me?” or “I don’t want to go to this appointment.” She wanted to fight until the very end because as she said “Why wouldn’t I continue to fight?” As summer came to an end, Julia struggled with what to do with her life. We talked about several options and after deciding to sign up for art and choir classes at school she said: “What I really want do is…I want to do it all!”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Julia’s Legacy Fund. You may write a check out to Matt or Paula Caron, donate cash, or give online on GoFundMe https://gofund.me/406f2844