Julia Dale ‘Julie’ Matlock Westland, 90, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2017, after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, during which she never lost her infectious personality, her delightful sense of humor and ‘one liners’ for the enjoyment and inspiration to all who came in contact with her.
Julie was born on June 23, 1926, to Julia and Woodford Matlock (now deceased) in Denver, Colo., where she lived for the first 18 years of her life before moving with her family to Scarsdale, N.Y. She graduated from Barnard College in 1948 and upon graduation joined the Scarsdale Inquirer, where she performed a variety of jobs for the weekly newspaper.
In 1950, Julie started her big city (New York) career working for Young and Rubicam (a large advertising agency) with responsibility for their consumer research panel. Julie was a commuter, returning to Scarsdale each evening. By chance, her husband-to-be also rode in the same car of the train and wanted very much to meet her. Through a friend a ‘blind’ date was arranged for April 23, 1953, which resulted in an engagement three weeks later, and a marriage Sept. 19, 1953.
Julie’s personality and commitment to serve led to a lifetime of volunteering with no request too big or too small for her participation. Her leadership skills were most evident in serving as president of the Junior League of Scarsdale, chairing two Designer Showhouses for the Junior League of Boston, president of the Kingsmill Women’s Social Club, president of Chapter BA of the PEO, and president of the Williamsburg Sentara Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Julie’s interests were many and varied and included knitting and needlepoint, bowling (high game of 274), the New York Times crossword puzzle, writing light verse for friends for special occasions, platform tennis and reading mysteries.
Surviving is her husband of 63 years, who loved and admired her for her unbounded support of family and friends. Also surviving are Clayton C. Westland Jr., and his wife, Barbara Wheeler, of Pawtucket, R.I., Bruce C. Westland, and his partner, Greg Fritz, of San Francisco, Calif., Amy M. Westland, and her husband, Dennis Denton, of Plano, Texas, and stepson, Alex Denton of Columbus, Ohio, Charles W. Westland of Scarsdale, N.Y., and Woodford A. Matlock, and his wife, Carol of Spokane, Wash.; and nephews Woodford and Walter.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Woodhaven Hall at Williamsburg Landing for their exceptional and loving care during Julie’s four-year residency. In addition, Sentara Hospice was invaluable in providing a layer of support for the nursing staff and family over many months.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, gifts may be made to the Williamsburg Landing Benevolence Fund, c/o Sally Wolfe, 5000 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg VA 23185; the Williamsburg Sentara Regional Medical Center, 100 Sentara Circle, Williamsburg VA 23188, attn. Auxiliary Services; Dream Catchers, c/o Terry Jacoby, 10120 Fire Tower Road, Toano, VA 23168; or an organization of choice.
A private service of remembrance will be held by the family. An opportunity to visit with family members will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in the parlor of Woodhaven Manor, 5500 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg.
Online condolences may be offered at nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
