Julia Kate Wise
GREENWOOD - Julia Kate Wise was born on November 22, 1994 to Shelly and Todd Wise. She shared this life with her sister, Jessica. Her two-and-a-half-year journey with cancer ended peacefully on Thursday, February 11, 2021, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. Julia found tranquility in the sun's unwavering commitment to rising again daily, and she too, did the same.
Julia attended Polytech High School, then continued her education at Shippensburg University, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She was a hard-driven athlete, playing field hockey and lacrosse throughout her eight years in high school and college. Julia had a competitive spirit on and off the field; a force to be reckoned with. She was a member and captain of the Women's lacrosse team at Shippensburg University and also the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). After graduating college, Julia began her pursuit to become a nurse, following in the footsteps of her mother and sister. She enrolled in an accelerated nursing program at Gwynedd Mercy University and moved to Philadelphia, all while receiving treatments at the University of Penn. She had finished all but one semester at Gwynedd Mercy and was set to graduate from the nursing program in May 2021. Julia was an avid member of "The Breasties" organization, Philadelphia branch, sharing her experiences while supporting others in their journey.
Julia's love for the beach was deeply rooted in the fibers of her being. Chasing sunsets with her sister, being on the water, and spending time with friends was her paradise. Her smile could (and did) light up every room she graced. Unlike most young adults, she had an especially genuine bond with her parents. Julia would constantly joke with them, and enjoyed spending time with her parents and their friends. She had a magnetic spirit, and had many friends all over the country, giving her the opportunity to travel and visit them. Her sense of humor could draw laughs from anyone she encountered, with a refreshing rawness, and a don't-take-no-for-an-answer attitude that left you in awe of her bold personality. Julia showed us it was okay to crack a morbid joke, or ten. She inspired those around her through her tenacity to look every challenge in the eye and approach it with sheer determination. Though her time was short, Julia never wavered in her passionate pursuit of living, traveling and celebrating. She was driven to soak up every new experience, and never let her obstacles stop her.
Julia is survived by her parents, Shelly and Todd Wise and sister, Jessica; grandparents Rosalie Wise, and William and Frances Chandler; Uncle Eric Wise, Linda, Erika and Zachary; Uncle Ben Wise, Parker and Grayson; Aunt Christi Boots, Kenneth, Harbour, Londin, and Kaden; Aunt Robin Rockemann, Rock, Amanda and Rochelle; and Uncle Keith Chandler. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, William Wise.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the team at the Perelman Cancer Center, Dr. Joshua Jones, and Delaware Hospice for their continued support and care of Julia and her family.
There will be a walk through visitation on Friday, February 19th at Pippin Funeral Home from Noon until two o'clock, all and any are welcome. Masks are required and social distancing as well. Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, February 20th at St. Johns in Milford 506 Seabury Ave. at 11:00, by invitation.
There will be a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date to properly honor and celebrate Julia, just how she would have liked.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to one of the following organizations in Julia's name: Metavivor.org, The Breasties.org, Delaware Hospice, or The Blood Bank of Delmarva.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pippinfuneralhome.com