Julia S Feliciano

Julia S Feliciano, aged 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on January 7th, 2025, in Napa California. And that will be the end of this sounding traditional because traditional just doesn't fit Julia. Julia was born on April 7th,1938, in the town of Lares on the island of Puerto Rico, however her birth certificate lists a different day. Back then if you lived in the country, it took time to get children registered so what is listed on her birth certificate was the date she was registered, not the day she was born.

Thus, beginning a series of quirks, sources of laughter and an exceptional ability to adapt and learn that encompassed Julia's life. Julia's early life was a devotion to her mother and grandmother, whom she cherished. As she grew, the want and desire to learn and go to school pushed her to have to travel away from them. It was not easy on her, to be away from them but so important to her.

To further her education, she was sent to live with Aunts who lived closer to the schools, she even lived at a church for a time. A kind Catholic priest knew her struggles and did not want her to lose everything she had learned. She helped with the church and in turn they let her live there and go to school. Julia would describe the time as some of the happiest moments of her life.  

Julia would hold onto those ties even after she met who would become her husband. Jose Marino Feliciano, ten years older than her and of all places, they met at a funeral. It was not all love and sunshine, their relationship was not easy, but it did give her a sense of stability. More important to her though, was the children that came from it. Julia would speak of certain regrets, but the one that she never had, was having her children.

The family would end up moving to Napa California in the year 1982. Julia wanted a quieter life for her family and on the recommendation of friends, Napa would be just the place. Jose unfortunately would end up having an array of health issues leaving Julia to raise their three children virtually on her own. She had moved to a place where she did not know the language or how to drive. Very quickly she enrolled herself into the local community college and she would learn English and would learn how to drive.

Julia would not allow herself to be limited in these things and learning something new, education, was always a goal for her throughout her life. Life would throw more wrenches her way, but she would handle each with determination, nothing would keep her down or keep her from the things most important to her.

As life moved forward and her children were now grown, she never stopped being a protective mother. Regardless of age, her children were her babies and always would be. The closeness of family was one of the things she was proud of and held close to her heart.

Julia's most vital pieces of her life was her religion, being Catholic and her love of God but also being open minded thanks to folks she met along the way. A strong believer in Love is Love. Her children encompassed another piece, sources of frustration at times but also sources of joy for her. Another piece was her heritage, being Puerto Rican, it was a source of pride, from the music to the food and of course, the flag, these were staples in her home. Lastly, her education, it never stopped, from English classes to Guitar classes, to Physical Education Classes, with Tennis, Badminton, Racket Ball, to early childhood education and then back to exercise classes, Yoga, weight training. She would always thirst for knowledge and also keeping herself as fit and agile as possible, for as long as possible.

Rocking chairs and knitting was not going to be her way. Julia enjoyed going to new places and experiencing new things, trips and tours she was able to take with friends and family. Learning new recipes,learning about a different culture and different animals. If you knew Julia you knew about her love of birds, having raised many herself.

Julia cannot be summed up into a few paragraphs, she was shenanigans in times that called for seriousness, always with a joke or hilarious comment to offer. In doctors' offices, if she figured out her shoes could squeak on the floor, expect there to be a symphony erupting. To those who didn't quite know her she seemed like this tiny woman who was nothing but innocence and yes, she was tiny, and she was innocent, sometimes anyway. Truly though, to know her was to love her. With all the trials and tribulations her life held she never lost her sense of humor, her protectiveness, her fierceness and her love and she instilled it into those around her whom she felt comfy with.

Julia S Feliciano was preceded in death by her husband Jose Marino Feliciano and her sister Margo Shah, and is survived by her children J.A. Feliciano, Jennifer Feliciano and Janette Griselle Feliciano-Opperman, her sister Vivian Sotomayor Power, her Son-In-Law, Daniel James Opperman and her future Son-In-Law, Paul Grieve. All of whom will never forget her and the love she so freely gave.

Julias Service will be held at the Chapel at Tulocay 411 Coombsville Rd Napa, CA 94559 on January 31st, 2025, at Noon. All are welcome to attend.

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