Life as we know it ended on July 21, 2013, with the death of Julia L. “Julie” Hodson.
An avid supporter of the performing arts and inveterate traveler, Julie visited 49 states, more than 30 countries and all seven continents.
Julie was born in Seattle, the eldest daughter of the Honorable James W. Hodson and Grace Hess Hodson. She was educated in Seattle schools, Forest Ridge Convent and graduated from Bellevue High School. Following high school she attended Colorado College and graduated from the University of Washington. She completed her legal education through a work/study program.
For the last 20-plus years her passion was her service as a Certified Professional Guardian to persons with impairment, providing for their needs while respecting and protecting their individual rights.
She was also a self-described “community servant,” serving in numerous organizations. Julie was a founding board member of Habitat for Humanity of Island County – serving 14 years. She served on the Washington State Ferries Advisory Committee for 18 years.
She was an active member of Soroptimist International since 1984. She was also active in the American Association of University Women, Deception Pass Power Squadron, Northwest Tulip Trekkers Volksport Club and other community organizations.
At the time of her death, she was a current commissioner of the Housing Authority of Island County and served on the Board of Small Miracles, Coupeville’s Emergency Medical Support fund.
In her work with the FIUTS organization at the University of Washington, she hosted international students for 42 years.
Julie worked with Harry Wilbert in organizing “Save the Trees” on Whidbey Island to preserve the old growth forest adjacent to South Whidbey State Park — part of which has now been added to the park, including “The Ancient Cedar” on the Wilbert Trail.
Public service was her lifetime work.
Julie was preceded in death by both parents and her youngest son, Carl Mathew Pankau.
She is survived by sons Gregory A. Pankau (and wife Mariana) of Bothell, Wash., and Keith A. Pankau of Langley, Wash.; daughters Laura K. Crook (and husband Dan) of Wellston, Okla., and Judith L. DeValdez of Freeland, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Dare, in England; and a niece, Elizabeth “Zeb” Dare, also in England; and her loyal companion, her cat, Lucie.
A Christian vigil service is 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor. A Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at St. Mary’s Church in Coupeville.
Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Island County, P.O. Box 2279, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or Small Miracles (Coupeville Emergency Medical Support Fund) P.O. Box 912, Coupeville, WA 98239.
Care was entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences using the Memory Book found at www.wallinfuneralhome.com
