Julia O'Doherty

Julia O’Doherty, beloved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, passed away in Houston, Texas, on September 5, 2017. Julia died peacefully, surrounded by loving family and devoted friends. Born in Weirton on November 15, 1924, Julia was strikingly beautiful, brilliantly creative, strong, and fearless. As a young woman, Julia enjoyed flying small planes and writing material for one of the Cleveland radio stations; and while living and working in Indianapolis, Julia had her own byline for one of that city’s major newspapers. It was in Indianapolis that Julia met a young man from Kilkee, Ireland; and following a whirlwind courtship, they were married. Tragically widowed shortly before their second daughter was born, Julia never remarried, but poured all of her strength and talents into bringing up her two daughters in Weirton. Her older daughter, “Patty,” graduated from Bethany College; and following successful careers working for Max Factor and Payot and teaching, she became a professional photographer in Acton, Massachusetts. Her younger daughter, “Connie,” earned degrees from The College of William and Mary, Yale University, and Georgetown University Law Center; and she became a trial and appellate lawyer in Houston, Texas. The immense responsibilities of rearing her two daughters did not prevent Julia from caring for her mother and brothers and sisters … or for any living creature that showed up at her doorstep; Julia simply never turned away from responsibility. Although she was serious and reserved, Julia had a tremendous sense of humor. Whatever Julia did, she did with passion and excellence … be it nurturing the diverse wildlife that found sanctuary in her back yard, volunteering with the PTA, participating in local politics, supporting our veterans, baking, gardening, or working for the City of Weirton; and wherever Julia went, good people simply could not resist befriending her. Julia was preceded in death by her father, Mike Levis, and mother, Mary P. Levis; sister Stella Levis; brother Alex Levis; brother “Nicky” Levis; sister Marye Fleischmann; brother Steve Levis; brother George S. Levis; brother John Levis; and sister Anne Lopez. Julia is survived by her daughter Julia Patricia O’Doherty Walker, her husband, James E. Walker, and their son, Patrick James O’Doherty Walker; by her daughter Constance O’Doherty Barnes and her husband, Dr. William T. Barnes; and by two nieces, Pattie Anne and Cissie. Julia is also survived by Jenny, Lauren, Gloria, Sandra, and Janie … dear, dear friends who came into and immeasurably enriched her life in Houston. Julia was the very best of an extraordinary generation. For all who knew and loved Julia, her passing will leave a heartbreaking void; but as always, Julia will be there to help us through with amazing memories of this remarkable woman. Although Julia never lost her beauty, as a very private person, she has requested a closed casket. Julia’s family welcomes friends to pay their respects and visit with them at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St., Weirton on Thursday, September 14, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM, where a Trisagion Service will be held at 6PM. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 608 Colliers Way, Weirton, from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM. Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Nelko will officiate. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, Steubenville, OH.