Obituary of Julia M. Reese

Julia (Judy) M. (Southard) Reese, 92, of Penbrook, PA.; passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Judy was born on October 6, 1931 in Phillipsburg, PA., and was a daughter to the late Edgar M. Southard and Julia M. (Walk) Southard. Julia was the last of ten siblings to pass. Judy worked for Readings and Greeting as a clerk for several years as well as many years with The Patriot News. Judy was preceded by death by her husband, Lewis G. Reese (2012) and her son Jonathan Reese (2015). Surviving are her daughters, Barbara Reese-Barton and her husband David, MaryAnn O’Leary and her husband Raymond, four grandchildren, Tyler, Heather, Benjamin and Matthew, two step-grandchildren, Tyler Barton and Jenna Jurkowski , three great grandchildren Alexis, Tyler Jr and Madelyn and the newest grandbaby, Nina Loren and a dearly loved daughter in law, Pam Metzler. Through her time on earth, Judy was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and was a founder of the first soup kitchen in Harrisburg at St. Francis. She was also the first woman Eucharistic minister for the diocese as well as one of the first female Bishop Mcdevitt board of directors. She was a champion for equal rights and started many programs for the youth in Harrisburg. A celebration of life will take place Sunday, June 23rd at The Wharf from 1 -3 p.m. A private burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Francis Soup Kitchen 1459 Zarker Street Harrisburg PA. 17104.