Julia Margaret Melick

Julia Melick passed away on March 20, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born Julia Margaret Murphy in 1923 in Omaha, Nebraska, the eldest of 8 Murphy siblings, she graduated from St. Francis Academy High School in Omaha in 1941, and later went on to attend Creighton University.  Julia served in the United States Navy WAVES at the Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C. from 1943-1945.  

Julia married Lloyd Martin Melick in 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska. They made New Mexico their home in 1951, living in Albuquerque and Placitas for the next 72 years.  There she attended the University of New Mexico, served on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Child Guidance Center, the Albuquerque Mental Health Board, the Governor's Bi-Centennial Committee and as president of the Cosmopolitan Women's Club of Albuquerque. She loved playing golf and bridge and did so into her 80s and 90s.  She had great interest in and became an avid collector of Native American art.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, and her grandson, Scott Turney. She is survived by her two daughters, Pat Turney and Karen Bardwell; two granddaughters, Nancy and husband, Jason Greer, and Ellen and husband, Austin Gonzalez; and 4 great grandchildren, Connor and Claire Greer, and Gemma and Josie Gonzalez.

In her well-lived 99 years, Julia was many things to many people:  beloved wife, mom, grandma and great grandma; staunch friend, committed volunteer, proud Navy veteran, and always a lady.

The Family of Julia Margaret Melick has entrusted the care of their beloved one to Avista Cremation & Burial

"where healing begins".  www.avistacremationandburial.com  (505) 438-2959