Obituaries
Julie Ann Sylvester
October 14, 1958 - March 14, 2025
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Obituary For Julie Ann Sylvester
The world has lost a teacher, an artist, a caretaker, and a kind soul. A true friend to all she met, Julie Ann Sylvester was born October 14, 1958, in Milwaukee. She passed away March 14, 2025, after suffering a heart attack two weeks earlier. Julie also battled with depression and other health problems most of her adult life. These struggles did not define her because of her limitless capacity to make those around her happy.
Julie grew up in Madison and lived a selfless life with compassion in her heart. She loved dogs and made it her mission to rescue them. She enjoyed nature and cared for all of God’s creatures. She possessed many creative skills and used them to brighten the lives of others. She was famous for her handmade Christmas and birthday gifts which displayed not only her genius for art, but her intrinsic thoughtfulness. She was a giver of unconditional love and beauty.
Julie may not have possessed a degree in education, yet she taught and helped raise kids in her neighborhood. She taught them art, to sing, and nurtured their talents. The creative spirit she inspired lives on in many young people whom she cared for as her own.
Julie may not have attended nursing school, yet she gained all the skills of a professional caretaker. For years, she ensured both her mother and father wanted for nothing and were able to enjoy their golden years at home. She sacrificed her own independence to serve them and her siblings are forever grateful.
Julie’s legacy and how she lived her life cannot be taught. She was a champion of the underdog and a provider to those in need. Julie gave far more to life than she ever took and the world is a lesser place without her.
Julie is survived by her younger brother, John ‘Sly’ Sylvester, older sister Jane, her loyal dog and faithful companion Blue, and her best friend Vickie Popanz of Portland, Maine. She's preceded in death by her parents, John and Doris Sylvester, and her grandparents.
To honor Julie’s memory, please consider a donation to Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue in Whitewater or Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Julie's memorial service will be held at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, on Saturday May 10, 2025. The reception begins at 9:00 a.m. with a service at 10:00 a.m. Julie will be interred alongside her family at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee on June 7, 2025.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
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Condolences
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March 27, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your sister! I know she meant the world to Jane. I remember many visits she made to Jane at Auto Glass when Jane as my boss. I know you and John have to be heart broken. I'm sure she is having fun with your mom and dad in heaven! So sorry for your loss! Nancy Schlimgen Peich (Jane's former employee at AGS)
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March 25, 2025
Remember the puppies you and Dee saved in the rain in the arboretum? Remember getting involved in Madison politics to make our city better? So many of laughing, making silly faces, and sharing meals. You and your family were the best neighbors! May your spirit be at peace now. John and Joy Wright
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March 25, 2025
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March 25, 2025
I am very sorry for the loss of Julie. May she RIP. Condolences to all who loved her.
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March 25, 2025
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March 25, 2025
Julie you are at peace. Sly may you find peace with memories of Julie. Laura
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March 24, 2025
Julie was a delight to know and I wish I had known her better than I did but I always felt I really knew her as she was honest and real and often very funny. I saw her a good deal from 1977 through 1979 and I was aware she had troubled times as Mark Kennedy told me but I never, ever thought any less of her at all. When I saw her on Facebook, I was delighted to find her once again and I told her she was so beautiful to which she said, "I don't look like that anymore." I assured her it didn't matter as I don't look like I did some 45 years ago either. Her beauty was not surface only as she radiated it.
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March 24, 2025
Sly and family. I'm so very sorry for your loss, It sounds like Julie was a bright light in this often dark world and it sounds like she was very good at passing that light to others. Please take care of yourselves and each other. E. Oldperson
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March 24, 2025
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