It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Julie Joann (Blue) Hartsell on January 31st at the age of 74. Julie loved life and her family, and was a resilient fighter to the very end. Her determination, thirst for knowledge, creativity, true grit, quick wit and ability to reframe and quickly adapt to changing situations served her well in life and as she battled cancer.
Julie grew up in Castroville, attended Hartnell College and San Francisco State University before settling down in beautiful Pacifica. Coastside is where she loved to be, and where she built a life for 37 years before retiring to Vacaville.
Julie was passionate about travel, reading, writing, films, sewing, participating in local government, solving the Sunday NYT crossword puzzle. She always looked forward to holidays and welcoming family, friends, and neighbors into her home for a meal.
She believed in citizen participation: that each of us has an important role to play in shaping our communities by being informed and involved. We can do hard things when we work together and should treat each other with respect even when we disagree.
Julie was proud of her work in Human Resources, service organizations like Pacificans Care, and participation on Pacifica City Council. Lending her energy and way with words to campaigns local and national brought her joy.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years Steven Ray Hartsell, her brother Richard Blue, son Marcus (Seana Hartsell), daughters Stefani and Nicole, and granddaughter Josie. She truly loved being an aunt and a grandmother.
Please remember her by becoming involved in a cause that matters to you, going out and bravely exploring new places, and building community by engaging with and investing in those around you.
In lieu of flowers please donate funds to your local library or make a contribution to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Julie Hartsell to support cancer research and patient care @dana-farber.org/gift.
