Obituary of Julia Mary Vandenbelt

Julia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Providence Manor, on Friday, March 24, 2017 in her 72nd year. Julia leaves behind John, her best friend and cherished husband of nearly 53 years; her loving children Phil Vandenbelt, Tanja Vandenbelt and Tara Hartman (Ryan). She was the treasured Oma of Kali, Ethan and Alex. Julia is survived by her siblings Gerald Wooff, Gail Kilmartin (Pat) and Annette Sargusingh, and was predeceased by her beloved mother Marguerite (Nan) Wooff, who she is reunited with once again. Julia was born in Liverpool, NS in October 1944 and moved to Ottawa in the early 1960’s where she met and married the love of her life. In 1968, they moved to Amherstview, where together they raised their family. Julia, along with her husband John was one of the co-founders of J&J Hardware and Cycle Shop which they ran together for nearly 25 years before selling to the current owner. Through J&J Cycle and Kingston BMX, she spent many years volunteering her time to promote the sport and travel with family and her beloved “BMX kids”. She had a profound impact on the lives of many kids in the community and when asked she would tell you she “did it for the hugs”. Julia went on to become a successful real estate agent and continue her generous spirit as a Rotarian. Julia was known to take the long and scenic routes whenever the opportunity presented itself and will be remembered for her soft heart and her kind and generous personality. She had a passion and natural flair for decorating, she loved many sports including Nascar, curling, but she always held a special love of the Toronto Blue Jays. Her family and friends were also one of her passions. That passion could also be seen with the special relationship she had with her only granddaughter whom she spent time with whenever possible. In keeping with Julia’s wishes cremation has taken place at the James Reid Crematorium. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at Providence Manor, 275 Sydenham Street, Kingston. A reception will follow the mass at Providence Manor in the McKinley Room. For those who wish, donations in Julia’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to UHKF (Neurology Department).