Julia Anne Clark

Julia Anne Clark (née Cole) passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 in Woodland Park, Colorado where she had been residing with her daughter, Sarah Dobbs and son-in-law, Jerry Dobbs. 

Born on June 30th, 1935, she was the beloved daughter of Herman and Mary Evelyn (nee Russell) Cole. Julia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend whose strength and commitment to volunteerism touched many people’s lives.

Julia grew up in Cadiz, Kentucky, where a deep love for education was instilled surrounded by educators. She pursued further education at Murray State earning a degree in Home Economics. It was during her formative years that she met the love of her life, Eugene Clark, whom she married July 28, 1958.

Julia was known for her unwavering devotion to creativity, gardening, cats (and dogs), and teaching and learning. She volunteered with the Girl Scouts, both as a leader and trainer, she served as a docent at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum, and the National Arboretum in Washington DC.

Professionally, Julia enjoyed working in Charles County for The Maryland Department of the Environment collecting water samples. This work brought her greater connections to both city and rural spaces and the importance of managing resources and development in the County. Her dedication and hard work earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Julia and Gene traveled and lived in both the United States and Germany, eventually retiring in White Plains, Maryland where they both created a sanctuary for family and friends to visit. Her homemaking and gardening skills, honed after decades of study, resulted in an expansive and welcoming garden.

Julia will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her presence.

Julia is predeceased by her devoted husband, Gene Clark, and is survived by her loving daughters, Laura Galanti, Lesley (Mark) Romanoff, and Sarah (Jerry) Dobbs; grandchildren, Jesse (Nate) Cayer, Russell Galanti, Max Romanoff, and Ada Romanoff; and great grandchildren, Julianna, Olivia, and Victoria Cayer.

Per her instructions, Julia will be cremated, buried in Benton, Kentucky, at the Cole Family Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities: US Holocaust Memorial Museum (donate.ushmm.org), National Museum of the American Indian (americanindian.si.edu), the American Civil Liberties Union (action.aclu.org), or Sierra Club (act.sierraclub.org).