Julie Bennett

Heaven gained another Angel when Julie Bennett passed away on September 4th, at the age of 62. Julie fought an eleven year battle against four separate cancer diagnoses. In the end, Julie won her battle against cancer on her own terms, in her own home, with her closest family right by her side. To those that knew her, she was a true inspiration. No battle was too strenuous, no trip was too long, and no cancer was too hard to beat. Julie was welcomed to the world with fireworks on July 4th, 1956 in Los Angeles, California to Mary and Richard Giles. She grew up there with her parents and 5 other siblings. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Nursing Degree and married the love of her life, Shawn Bennett in 1979. Julie worked as an RN, Head RN, and Supervisor RN. After starting a family and spending a number of years traveling around for Shawn's work, Shawn and Julie ultimately settled into El Dorado Hills, CA with their three children. Julie was a devout mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. If you could only describe Julie in a few words, she could be described as strong, selfless, and unique. She was strong through her battle with cancer, as she continued to travel, inspired others in their journeys, and created memories with her family. She was selfless with her time, always prioritizing others over herself. Her style and personality were unique to herself. Everyone knew her for her "never give up" attitude. She enjoyed yoga, a good glass of wine, attending her children's events, and concerts and plays with her husband. One of her favorite places to relax was in her "nest" in bed with a cup of coffee. Julie is survived by her husband Shawn, her three children Meagan, Jimmy (wife Jess), and Nick, her mother Mary Giles, her four siblings - Joan Brundige (husband Tim), Bill Giles (wife Cathy), John Giles (wife Sandra), Michael Giles, her brother's wife (Terry), and her many nieces and nephews. All of these she loved and deeply touched. In Heaven, Julie is welcomed by her father Richard Giles, her brother Richard Giles Jr., her mother and father-in-law Gordon and Joy Bennett, and her family dog Rudy. Everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Julie's life in their own way, if its relaxing with a glass of red wine, eating Baskin Robbins ice cream, a shopping trip at Home Goods, spending time with your family, or traveling in her memory, any of these would be very appropriate. At any time you see fireworks, know that Julie is looking down on you. In lieu of flowers, in Julie's memory we have made a donation page to support pancreatic cancer research and support others who are fighting their own battles. Her Fundraiser page is located here: http://support.pancan.org/goto/Julie-Bennett Please join us in celebrating Julie's life with a Vigil at Holy Trinity Parish in El Dorado Hills, CA at 7pm on Monday, September 10th. The funeral will be held in Los Angeles, CA at Visitation Church on September 13th.