Julia E. Jasterzbski

Julia Jasterzbski, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. All who shared time with Julia admired and respected her for she was an honest, strong woman with a generous pure heart.
Throughout her life Julia was greatly inspired by the devotion and sacrifices of her parents, Mary and Joe. At age three, Julia, her 1- year old sister, Mary, and her mother left Hungary and traveled one week by boat to reunite with their father who had earned sponsorship in the states. Julia witnessed hardship early on and embraced the importance of hard work and perseverance. After several years living on a dairy farm in Hackettstown, the Wichas moved to a two-family home in Clifton. Julia and her sister Mary attended Holy Trinity in Passaic. Julia's most fond memories were spent with her sister and parents on day trips to Lake Hopatcong, Palisades Amusement Park and Coney Island. It was during her elementary years that she first met her life-long sweetheart "Jazzbow". Joe and Julia attended Holy Trinity together and both continued their religious education at Pope Pius High School.
Her Catholic faith was evident in her daily behavior and had a significant influence in her youth and adult life. Passionate about helping, and focused on learning, Julia, continued advanced studies at Rutgers University where she graduated with a Nursing Degree. During this time Joe enlisted in the US Air Force. Although apart, Julia and Joe were committed to each other and were destined to be together. The couple married shortly after his military discharge.
Julia adored her husband and loved her two sons, Tommy and Richard. Their future and well-being meant everything to her. While Joe worked days, Julia took the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at Passaic General Hospital. She devoted 40 years of her life caring for her patients and their families as an OBGYN Registered Nurse. Her loyalty and personal contributions to the hospital earned her professional recognitions, the support of her colleagues, and the love of her patients.
Whenever possible and into retirement, Grandma Julia, along with Grandpa Joe, spent as much time as they could with their boys and their cherished grandchildren Michele, Tommy, Cathryn, Christina and Jennifer. Julia was an avid reader. She had a profound interest in books, but her greatest pleasure and source of fulfillment was in spending time with the grandchildren and helping her family. Grandma Julia was the ultimate caregiver assisting with cooking, housekeeping, babysitting, but most especially she provided a guiding light, a voice of wisdom, a model of goodness.
"You were a very SPECIAL lady MOMMA...we deeply love, admire, and appreciate all you did. You will forever be in our hearts."