Julia Ann Gremer, born April 2, 1959, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on July 26, 2017.

Julia is survived by her children Elliott Freeman of Los Angeles, CA, and Emily Freeman of Richmond, VA; mother Norma Gremer; siblings John (Kathleen) Gremer, Michael Gremer, Melinda (Chuck) Billman, and Matthew (Cindy) Gremer; and partner in life Dean Rubin. An abundance of nieces and nephews and her step children also survive her.

Julia was preceded in death by her father, John A. Gremer.

Julia graduated from Urbana High School in 1977, Parkland College in 1979, and later earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University. Julia made her life in Charlottesville, VA, raising her children and working as a highly skilled and incomparably compassionate nurse at the University of Virginia.

Julia was the most generous friend, belly dancing enthusiast, lifelong volunteer, gifted cook, avid gardener, the matriarch of Lake Anna, and a beloved caretaker of people and animals from all walks of life. Julia's Willoughby home in Charlottesville was often filled with the neighborhood children and friends welcomed in by her gentle caring nature, home cooked meals, and constant laughter.

Julia suffered from early onset Alzheimer's disease. When she could no longer carry out her duties as a nurse, she chose to volunteer in the kindergarten class at her local grade school with the same teacher her two children had in kindergarten. As her disease progressed, she moved back home to Urbana to be near family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Urbana, IL on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Luke Spannagel presiding.

A celebration of life will be held in Charlottesville, VA at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Julia's honor to the Alzheimer's Association.