Julienne Schnabl, 75

Dear family and friends,

We are all heartbroken at the sudden death of our dear Julienne on April 8, 2014. She had a heart for so many and a desire to do all things well. Maybe you know this about her or maybe only now you are discovering the beauty of her life and the wonderful legacy she left behind.

She was born on Sept 4, 1938 in Ottawa, Canada to Bernard and Lauretta Rene de Cotret. By the last name you should conclude that Julienne was French Canadian and she was very proud of her heritage. She grew up in the small town of Aylmer, Quebec with her brothers. She attended Notre Dame de la Mercie, school for girls. After graduating, she worked at the post office where her father was postmaster and began studying to become a nurse. In 1957, while at the local club, she was asked to dance by a handsome young German. It was the beginning of a romance that would last 55 plus years. And on Sept 1, 1958 they married and she became Mrs. Josef Schnabl.

Soon after, Julienne and Josef (Sepp) welcomed two daughters, Rita and Susie. Like every young couple, their beginning was meager but she always managed to make a lovely home.Julienne was a homemaker is best sense of the word. She was known to have ironed sheets and comb the fringe on the rugs. Dinner was a sit down family affair and time for catching up. She had a talent for making every occasion special and she loved to make the holidays beautiful. She embraced many German traditions that we cherish today, including learning to speak the language, and never wanted to have any help creating these memorable moments…it was her gift to us.

Julienne was dedicated to her family and to the vision she and Sepp had created. In 1964, the family immigrated to the United States to start a new chapter. Kids in school, Juliennetrained to be an executive secretary. She was an excellent employee and always went above and beyond her duties. Later in 1970, Sepp decided to start his own business; againJulienne was by his side working to make this dream come true. However, whether working full time or part time, she could always be counted on to be there for the kids after school.

Yet, there was still plenty of time left for activities and fun. Julienne was the best Girl Scout leader a daughter could have. She made sure the program was excellent and filled with new adventures. She planned fun-filled vacations and made birthdays special. She was not a drinker but her effervescent personality often made her the life of the party. She loved to tell a good joke and had no problem trying the latest dance move. Julienne had lady luck on her side and was known to throw a quarter or two into the slot machine. She also enjoyed watching movies but loved to take a quiet moment and read a good book more.

It is in those quiet moments that we see Julienne best. She was strong but had a tender heart. Julienne had a gift of ministering to the sick and worried so much when her family was ill. She was ready with the Vicks when the kids were ill and was brave enough to handle any emergency. She spoiled her pets too and they were blessed to have her loving care.

The book "The Five Love Languages" believes that people have one particular way that speaks love for them best. For Julienne, it may be all five. It spoke love to her when you gave her time. Time to talk and sit and hear her stories. It meant love to her when you affirmed all her excellent efforts. She loved being touched…a hug, a back rub. To serve her meant to love her and to give her a gift meant that she had been thought of fondly.

Let us now all think fondly on Julienne. She was dear wife, and loving mother. She was a sweet sister and precious grandmother. She was a lovely friend and will be dearly missed.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or diabetes.org/donate. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, Va. on Tuesday April 22, 2014 at 2 pm. Following, a reception celebrating Julienne's life will be held at Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA.