The Life of Julie Margaret Ford

Julie Margaret LeClear Ford died from complications after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer, passing away peacefully in her home in Southwest Washington, DC on April 22, 2021. She was buried in a private ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia. A memorial service will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, later this year.  Julie was born at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California on November 21, 1957 to parents Jay and BillieLeClear. She was a graduate of La Serna High School, Whittier, CA in 1975 and UCLA in 1979. She attended Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, where she met and married Paul, her partner of 40 years.

Julie and Paul had lived in Washington, DC for just 18 months, having spent the previous 35 years in Albuquerque. Their son Stephen, who was born in Albuquerque, and daughter-in-law Leslie invited them to move to DC in 2019 to be closer to their three grandchildren – Ava (5), Connor (3) and Asher (5 months). Known as “Nonny” to her grandchildren, Julie invested heavily in them, especially Ava, and treasured their walks, playdates, and arts-and-crafts projects together. 

In addition to her immediate family, Julie is survived by her brother, William J. LeClear, niece Julianne (and son Andrew) Shannon and Sarah (and husband Ale) LeClear Domingo. She will be remembered for her passionate devotion to Jesus Christ, her direct yet joyful approach to friendship, and the way she challenged all she met to lead lives of meaning. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless others who had the privilege to share in her life and be shaped by her love.