Julia Hiser Gordon

Julia Gordon was born Julia Ann Hiser on January 1, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up in “Cowtown” and was still a high school student when she met Larry Gordon, a cadet at Texas A&M. She soon entered Texas Christian University (TCU) but her college years were cut short when the two married in 1961. They stayed that way for more than 57 years until Julia passed away on March 13, 2019. She became an “Army wife” when her husband entered the Service as a second lieutenant in 1962, and began a somewhat Spartan life compared to her previous existence, but it was also a life of activity, community service, travel, and adventure. She managed to steer the family through more than 20 moves while raising two kids and doing the heavy work. The moves took her all over the continental United States as well as to Italy, Korea, Hawaii, and Panama. None of them were easy, but she managed them all with skill, enthusiasm, and great aplomb. “Mom” was the solid rock that kept everyone together. As her husband advanced in rank, her “official” responsibilities also increased, but she met every challenge. She was often absorbed in Army-related activities and was twice president of the installation’s officers’ wives club. She loved to cook and in one assignment she edited and published a book of recipes that became famous within the U.S. Army Signal Corps. As her husband neared the end of his Army career, Julia went to work in the Washington DC area for a few years. She became the facilities and security manager for a large software firm before becoming a retiree herself. She then occupied herself with reading, bridge, cooking, and yes, shopping. She and her husband settled in Northern Virginia but they continued to travel extensively all over the world. Italy, where she had lived for three years, always remained her favorite place. Julia is survived by her husband Larry; two sons, Michael and Paul; a sister, Cynthia Hiser; and nine grandchildren ranging in age from 7 to 27. The latter were the centerpieces of her life during her 30-year retirement and she was a very fulfilled and happy woman when she passed on.