Julia I. Breese, 92, of Whispering Oaks Senior Living Community, formerly of Fairview Township, Mercer County, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at her home after a brief illness.

Born May 13, 1928, in New Hamburg, Mrs. Breese was the daughter of John A. and Mary E. (Stamm) McEwen.

Julia graduated from Fredonia High School, and then worked at Westinghouse, where she met her husband. Having been raised on a dairy farm, Julia ably worked by Bill's side on the family farm, raising crops and beef.

While raising her family, she exhibited creativity in a multitude of arts and crafts. When the family was grown, she drove a school bus and then worked at PPG before retiring in 1989.

She was a member of Stoney Point Homemakers since 1959. She attended Oak Grove Church, Mercer, where she was a member.

In early retirement, Julia and Bill spent their winters serving on the mission field under World Gospel Mission. In recent years, her passion for missions continued by crocheting washcloths for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. She always wanted to let people know that Jesus loved them, and that they could have Him in their hearts.

Her pride and joy was her large family, and she showed her love in many ways. She would often say, "I had five children, and 15 grandchildren. Do you want me to go on?"

Julia is survived by four children, Jacqueline (Norman) Bull, Collingwood, Ontario; Jayne (Gene) Mays, Belgrade, Mont.; John (Kathryn) Breese, Mercer; and Marla (George) Sabey, Canton, Ohio; one sister, Ellen Nye, Ellwood City; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William E. (Bill) Breese; one daughter, Julie Thomas; her parents; sisters, Mary Frances Bartholomew, Dorothy Whittingham, Eileen Scragg, Marjorie Ryhal, and Virginia McEwen; and an infant sister, Ruth Emma McEwen.

BREESE

Julia I., 92, formerly of Fairview Township.

Calling hours: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday (3-6-21) in the Oak Grove Church, 10 Oak Grove Road, Mercer.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. Randy Ritchey, pastor of Oak Grove Church, officiating.

The service will be live streamed at www.snyderfh.com.

Interment: Millbank Cemetery, Fredonia.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 169 Second St., Fredonia.