The Journal Times

Sara just emailed me a link to this page where people have been compiling their memories of Grandma. So nice to know that others love her with the same passion that I do. I didn't want to lose these words, so I thought I would post them here so we would not forget that there were friends who loved her too.

You might need a tissue for this! :)



Remembering Julie Carpenter
Posted by: Mike Moore on March 13, 2008 at 4:34PM EST

This post was compiled by those who knew Julie Carpenter, who died last week:

I met Julie Carpenter while we were lying side by side on treatment tables at the chiropractor. I noticed the beautiful watercolor sitting next to her & told her my then, 91-year old, mother just moved in with us and also was a watercolorist. Julie invited us to join The Gathering, an artist open studio that met weekly to paint, share, and enjoy art together. This was my introduction to watercolor and it also gave my mother a wonderful outlet to continue her artistic growth and meet new friends. If it were not for Julie’s inspiration & leadership of this group, I would never have become an artist. She was also an absolute blessing for my mother, now going on 95, who paints 10 to 14 hours a day. My mother, Jane Lenz, said it best, “once you met her, you knew you would be friends forever”.
Julie was a “giver”. She taught in everything she did. She would always do a demonstration or two at every painting session. She also encouraged those of us who were “beginners” to share what we were learning, allowing us also to contribute. She always said she was not the “leader” or “head” of our group, but we all knew better. She was the ultimate leader and mentor. Her sense of fairness, and uncanny ability to know & understand what was right for our group was astounding. We always deferred to her knowing she knew best.
Aside from being a wonderful mentor for our artistic lives, Julie was also a role model for the rest of our lives. Her volunteer work inspired all of us to share our good fortune and give back to the community for our many blessings. In particular, Julie showed us how to live and die with cancer. Dignity is an often used word, but Julie personified it.
We miss her dearly. When we look at a beautiful sunset or landscape, be assured that Julie and our friend Ken Weeden, who also passed this winter, had a hand in choosing the colors. We also look to their guidance from above to continue on with the work we do through the Gathering.
Judi Greenwood and Jane LenzBurlington
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We had the privilege of meeting Julie at The Gathering's first Miniature Art Show shortly before she was diagnosed. Upon hearing of our interest in art and, knowing we had no background or experience in it and had just begun taking watercolor classes, Julie invited us to participate in The Gathering's weekly painting sessions. Realizing how intimidating it could be in the company of talented artists, it was Julie's enthusiasm that convinced us to join the Group. It was Julie's passion for art and all of life's beauty that inspired her to form The Gathering to give 'artists' like us the opportunity to share and learn from each other. We have Julie tothank for the inspiration and encouragement she has given us, and for introducing us to a wonderful group of people who have become our friends and mentors.Marcy & Dick GayRochester
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I admired Julie's talent as an artist and her generosity in sharing her talent with everyone. I'll never forget watching Julie help her young neighbor boy with his painting skills and the painting demonstrations she did for the benefit of all of us who came to 'The Gathering'. Julie used her time to help others by organizing 'The Gathering' for people who enjoy painting and although she always said she was not our 'leader', she provided the leadership that was invaluable.
Julie also gave her time to others by working at Love, Inc. where she helped those less fortunate in the community.
And Julie found ways to help her family cope with and understand Autism, which afflicts her grand-daughter.
I feel sad that Julie has left us too soon, but glad that she left us with good memories and qualities to which we can all aspire.
Kay PricePark City, Utah------------------------------------------------------
Julie was my mentor.
She was a true blessing in my life she helped me to discover a hidden talent within myself and encouraged me to continue and to share that talent with others who wanted to paint and those who just wanted to enjoy art.
Julie’s life besides family was art and she wanted to share her gift to the world
And she did that by forming a group called The Gathering which brought all of us artists together not only for Art and sharing but for lifetime friendships.
Thank You Girlfriend……..
Ps Knowing Julie I‘m sure she met up with other Great artist we lost in 2007 Ken Weeden and they starting The Heavenly Gathering.
Save us some seats in the future!
Geri BradyBurlington
------------------------------------------------------------
Julie was a wonderfully talented artist, but it was her modesty and generosity that impressed me. Most friends know nothing of her career as an executive in the banking world. Julie quietly volunteered at Love, Inc. She formed The Gathering, a workshop for artists, where she freely shared her expertise with those not as skilled. Then she recruited those artists to donate paintings for Love, Inc. benefits. Julie purposely remained behind the scenes, the mark of a true lady.
Vera FroschBurlington
---------------------------------------------------------
Always ready to teach someone a new technique, from a humble standpoint.
Always encouraging someone to "just do it", and to do their best.
Always "up", even after the bad news about her health.
Always willing to go the extra mile for a good cause.
Always ready to share whatever she had.
Always ready to listen.
Always positive.
I will miss her dearly.
Sue AlbyBurlington
------------------------------------------------------
I find it hard to put in a few words what friendship with Julie meant to me. Anyway--that dear lady can be remembered for many things in our community. And what a spirit she had! She was the quintessential entrepreneur and because of that talent our open studio " The Gathering" thrived. The words, "hard work, artistic talent, caring", all easily come to mind, but for me personally I will always remember Julie's unfailing generosity, and the wonderful comfort and joy of our Friday morning "spiritual coffees" at "Veronico's". She will always live in my heart.
Marilyn AhlerLyons
--------------------------------------------------------
Julie Carpenter's funeral was beautiful in it's simplicity and reverence; but sad in it's necessity.
Julie's accomplishments were many, and she did them all with love and dedication. Art was her love, but her passion was the artists. That passion developed into "The Gathering", an accumulation of artist and artist wannabe's brought together to paint and share the knowledge and magic of paint, paper and water.
She so wanted to see Burlington have an art gallery/workshop studio. She wrote letters to the City officials, and was saddened by the fact that not one replied - no letter, no phone calls. But she never gave up the dream.
And so we persevere without our mentor, our force, our leader. But, we will go on and "The Gathering" will continue the magic.
Nancy Welch
Burlington, WI
---------------------------------------------------------------
I feel such a loss. I was looking for inspiration among my photos the other day, and came across an envelope with photos of Julie and I that had been taken at some of the classes we had taken together. I think I cried looking at them. It was the day she died although I did not know it at the time. Maybe she was telling me she was still around in all our hearts. I know she will not be forgotten in mine.How nice that so many people came to the funeral. I was inspired by her example to push for a painting group here, and we now have a small one in the basement of one of the churches. So far about 5 people come on a regular basis, and we do a lot of painting. We pass on tips to each other and have a great time. A small group is fun although it is too small if a couple cannot come for one reason or another.I also have a couple of the little paintings that we did at workshops and she gave me. One was done at Pat Nortons class where she became re-inspired after returning from Chung kai kees class and was sure she could not paint any more. I remember her on her hands and knees under the table splashing paint about and really enjoying the experience. We both had a good laugh about that and talk of it often in later groups. Funny how little things can mean so much.Heddys StevensonSault Ste Marie, Ont, Canada