Julia Lee Lawrence Obituary (1942 - 2019)

Julia Lee Lawrence peacefully passed away on December 7, 2019 in Holladay, Utah at the age of 77. Julia was born April 3, 1942 in Mason City, Washington, the first child of Clifford and Maxine Andrews Lawrence. Four years later, the family relocated to Klamath Falls, Oregon where they raised Julia and her three brothers, Steven, Brent and Bruce. Julia had a brilliant mind and was an outstanding student. She graduated from junior high school as the school’s first student to attain a straight A grade point average, was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, and was student body vice president. Julia graduated from Klamath Union High School as Salutatorian of her class and was awarded four academic scholarships, including one from Brigham Young University where she attended as a music major and earned a degree in Music Education with minors in German and English. In 1965, she graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University. Julia then began her graduate work at University of Utah where she was inducted into the Mu Phi Epsilon Music Honor Society and was a member of the Academic Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. An accomplished musician, Julia began playing the violin at the age of five, was playing in the school orchestra at nine, began studying the piano at 11 and at the age of 12 won the Adler Scholarship Music Award, having competed against older students from all over the county. During her high school years she was concert mistress and solo violinist for the school symphony orchestra, played in the string quartet, sang in the a cappella choir, was a member of the science club, the math club, the National Honor Society and cheered for her team with the Pep Peppers. As a freshman at Brigham Young University, she began to play the viola and weeks later was playing viola with the BYU Symphony Orchestra. She was also accepted into BYU A Cappella Choir. She spent a semester studying viola at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and traveled extensively in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and England. After graduation from Brigham Young University, she joined the Utah Symphony Orchestra and spent the next 46 years performing, touring, and playing in the greatest concert halls of the United States, Europe, and South America. She also taught violin and viola privately for 25 years. After her retirement from the Symphony in 2011, she played with The Orchestra at Temple Square for six years. All of these experiences brought Julia priceless, lifelong friendships that were deeply treasured. Julia grew up in a home filled with love and kindness. She loved to travel, grow beautiful roses, read, and refinish furniture. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave countless hours of service sharing her musical talents. Julia believed music and the gospel are the two greatest gifts from God. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart and the beauty she brought to our lives. Julia is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Steven. She is survived by her brother Brent and wife Kay, her brother Bruce and wife Christine, sister-in-law Marva, 11 nieces and nephews and their spouses, 24 great nieces and nephews, and one great grandnephew. Julia’s family expresses love and appreciation to Julia’s longtime friend and caregiver, Catherine Stoneman. There are no words to express our gratitude for the exceptional care and love Julia received during her time with Abbington of Holladay Memory Care Unit and Canyon Hospice. We thank them. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 17th at 11 AM at the Valley View Chapel at 3820 South 2000 East in Salt Lake City. Friends and family are invited to call Monday evening, December 16th from 6 to 8 PM and on Tuesday morning, December 17th from 10 to 10:45 AM at the church. Julia will be laid to rest in the Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 S. Vine Street. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Utah Symphony or the Orchestra at Temple Square.