Julia Helen Roth
Sept. 18, 1936-Dec. 28, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Julia Helen Roth died peacefully of natural causes at her residence on December 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Julia was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She left briefly to attend college in Nebraska, and upon her return to San Diego, met Bernhard Gustav Roth through their shared Lutheran church. They married in 1958, and after the birth of their three daughters, moved east to Connecticut for two years before returning to California to live briefly in Livermore, near Bernie’s work at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, then settling permanently in Pleasanton, CA where they raised their three daughters in a rural setting.

When their girls were established in school, Julia returned to academics herself, taking classes at Chabot Community College and becoming a registered nurse. She then worked at Valley Memorial Hospital in the intensive care and coronary care units for many years. Later in life, she chose to work as a hospice nurse serving numerous families in the East Bay area by offering her service, expertise, and most of all, empathy.

Throughout her life, Julia loved music. She learned how to play the piano and organ from her aunt as a young girl and was a church organist throughout most of her life. She was also an active church and community choir member. In addition to music, Julia loved sewing, needlework, knitting, and especially quilting. She also excelled in the kitchen, and her family and friends benefited from her fabulous meals and baked goods. Christmas was Julia’s favorite time of year. She enjoyed the family togetherness, baking, decorating, gifts, big turkey meal, and the holiday’s true meaning.

Julia’s inner strength supported her in challenging times and helped her accept change. She cared deeply about her daughters and instilled in them her values of independence, honesty, congeniality, and a strong work ethic. She readily embraced others and was a magnet for friends due to her kindness, nurturing character, and wonderful sense of humor. After she and Bernie parted ways in 1994, Julia enjoyed international travel, being a grandmother to her one grandson, and keeping busy with her quilting, friends, and church activities. She also remained very close to all three daughters to whom she was a never-ending source of love.

A San Diego girl at heart, Julia carried with her a passion for the ocean throughout her life, and her ashes will be spread there.

Julia is survived by her three daughters, Cathy Roth (Greg Davis), Donna Taylor, and Terri Roth (Bill Swanson), and her one grandson, Zach Taylor.