Julia Gwen Hibbard

Found peace on July 29, 2021, at the age of 29. She is survived by her partner Sam Redmond. Cherished daughter of Kelly Manvilla. Devoted sister of Lauren & Katherine Hibbard. Also loved and remembered by aunts, uncles, other relatives, and many dear friends, including her second family at Yama Yoga.

Preceded in death by her mother, Jacalyn Hibbard, and her grandparents, Paul & Bettie Hibbard, and John & Phoebe Vlahos.

Julia had a passion for yoga and frequently tried convincing her friends and family to give it a shot. She was a fervent reader who loved writing down her favorite passages and poems. She had a soft spot for dogs and she loved the finer things in life.

She loved sharing ideas, favorite songs, and how to brew the perfect coffee. Growing up she enjoyed every outdoor activity and frequently brought them inside. Floors in her home were layered with wheel marks from her Heelys. She was constantly climbing out her window to watch the clouds and stars from the rooftop. She would spend time with her mother watching Anne of Green Gables, Twister, or G.I. Jane, their favorite movies.

Julia had an overabundance of love shared not just with friends and family, but with all she met. From people she knew since childhood to a homeless woman she invited into her home because a bitter winter night was too cold for anyone to endure, Julia showed compassion and love to all.

Much like her favorite quote from one of her favorite movies, Anne of Green Gables, “The apple doesn’t fall from the tree”, Julia left this world as her mother did – far too soon.

Now we are left with this unbearable sorrow. We are at a loss not just for Julia but as to why this happened. For us it would be easy to cry and feel great pain in our loss. But that is not what Julia would have wanted. So in keeping with Julia’s wishes, we ask that you not mourn her death but celebrate her life.

Remember her beautiful smile that met you with every greeting. Her boundless energy. The encouragement she gave to all in need and her remarkable ability to make everyone know they were loved.

So when you think of Julia, smile, even laugh, and remember how fortunate you were to have known such a beautiful soul.

Julia, you will always be loved, remembered, and missed.

Julia’s visitation will be on Friday, August 20th, 2021, at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Irish wake to follow at Nomad World Pub, 1401 East Brady Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.