Julie Anne McClure Souza, 59
Julie Anne McClure Souza, 59 years, 10 months and 2 days, died and is now striding in heaven freed of her confines. Her death on July 26, 2012, was after a short stay in Mercy Hospital at Springfield with her husband, Ray, holding her tightly.
Julie was born in Sutter Hospital in Sacramento, Calif. on Sept. 24, 1952, to Jack Roland and Helen Louise (Broughton) McClure.
Julie was a resident of Marshfield, Mo. for the last eight years. She also resided many years in Fremont, Calif. On Nov. 17, 1972 Julie and Ray Donald Souza were conjoined in marriage at the courthouse in Fremont, Calif. This lovely union of two souls produced no children, but harbored much loved pets.
Julie graduated with a masters degree in math from California State University, East Bay, and went on to become a computer programmer at Corbin Willits Systems, Inc., of Fremont Calif. for 14 years before retiring to Marshfield in 2004. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1975, eventually becoming quadriplegic. She did her best to not define herself as a disabled person, but a person who enjoyed decorating her home, reading, (audio books) and travel, both camping at Bennett Spring and Lake of the Ozarks State Parks and visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, enjoying these places in the last couple of months. Her favorite place to visit with Ray was Lake Tahoe, Calif. Her greatest joy was her pet cats who were devoted to her presence.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Stephen Bruce McClure.
Julie is survived by her husband, Ray Donald Souza, Marshfield, Mo.; siblings Jack McClure, Napa, Calif., Ya’el Mann, Issaquah, Wash., and Jeffrey McClure, Napa, Calif. She was deeply embraced by her husband, Ray’s, very large and loving Missouri and California family.
She was cremated, under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Marshfield, with her ashes to be spread over places she loved.
A memorial service will be held at the Marshfield Church of the Nazarene, 226 Church St., Marshfield, Mo., on Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., with Pastor Brian Letsinger officiating.
