Julia Peterson Xanthos

1954 ~ 2018

Julia Peterson Xanthos passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Monday, December 24, 2018 at the age of 64, following a 2 year battle with cancer. Her life could only be described as one of love and kindness. Julia was a genuine person with a quick wit and a smile that made her a joy to be around.

Her greatest joy was her family. She married her eternal companion, Gary J. Xanthos, on June 30, 1979 and had three amazing children, Warren, Samantha (Carter), and Corinne (Lucas). She found her favorite title though, when she became a grandmother to Liam and Cora.

Julia was an amazing mother, the kind who would stay up nights with her children to help finish a report, to do her daughters' hair, or just to talk and worry. She would drop everything if one of her kids needed her help, just wanted to go shopping, or go to lunch. She was very busy but her family knew that they were always her priority.

She also loved to spend time with her siblings. Some of her favorite things were: enjoying backyard barbeques and tying quilts with Ginger (Rod), shopping and laughing with Linda (Allan), sharing memories and a love of gardening with Kendall (Debbie), and quilting and traveling with Nola (Bob). She was also very close to her in-laws and extended family. Although we didn't get Christmas day with her this year, we know she was able to spend it with her parents, Max and Arlene Peterson who preceded her in death.

She was a trained social worker, spending majority of her career at intake for DCFS. Most of the time the work was hard and thankless, but she loved the people she worked with, and was happy she was helping to protect children. Even though she saw the worst side of society, she was still able to keep her sense of humor, albeit a little dark, and still see the best in those around her.

Julia led a life a service, enlisting into the Army Reserves soon after college. She loved her country, and the men and women she served with. She understood the true meaning of selfless service, especially when she was deployed during Operation Desert Storm, and was separated from her family for months.

Julia loved life, and while she was taken too soon, she used the time that was given to her to the fullest. She loved to travel with Gary. Their favorite destinations included: Germany, France, China, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Jackson Hole or any cruise or national park they could get to. Julia loved to read and would often fall asleep reading her latest book. Science fiction, fantasy and historical novels were her favorites. Some of her children's strongest memories were of cuddling with Mom while she read "The Secret of Nimh", or "Gom on Windy Mountain." She passed this love of reading, and traveling on to all her children. Her love of quilting dominated her hobbies in the last few years. Through quilting, she was able to create many amazing pieces of art and friendships. She also enjoyed hiking, hugging her family, cross-stitching, puzzles, hugging her family, gardening, running, yard sales, movies, church activities, hugging her family, spending time with friends and bragging about her children and grandchildren. Julia will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

The graveside ceremony will be held at 1:00pm on January 2, 2019 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, Utah (please park by 1700 E.). Following, there will be a memorial gathering from 3:30-5:30pm at the Sego Lily ward building, 10312 S. Ashley Park Dr. (2130 E.) 84092.