Julia Maria Watkins

Julia Maria Watkins, affectionately known as “Julie” was born January 4, 1947, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She was born to Maria Muriel Fuertes and Carlos Julio Berrios. Julie graduated from Lincoln High School in the Bronx, NY in 1966. She went on to study nursing in Fajardo, Puerto Rico in Escuela Superior Veve Calzada completing her practical nursing studies in 1968.

Julie would later travel to Washington DC to pursue further education. While there, she met and fell in love with Kenneth Mason at Washington Hospital Center in 1976. In 1980, the dynamic duo would relocate to California and begin their family. Kenneth Jude Mason was born December 17, 1982. Nathan Orlando Mason was born April 19, 1985.

The family would again relocate to Wisconsin in January of 1986. While their intentions were only to remain in Wisconsin for 3 years, life took its course, and they settled in Milwaukee. Soon after, Julie would begin her career with Milwaukee Public Schools where she devoted 28 years of her life then retired in 2014.

Nathan blessed his mother with her first grandchild Destini Marie Mason in 2006. Kenneth and Georgia would bless Julie with a bonus granddaughter Isabela. Their family would continue to grow with the birth of Kenneth Jude Mason Jr. in 2023 and Harmony Marie Mason in 2024.

Julie died at home peacefully on Saturday, November 23 surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved life partner of 48 years, Kenneth, and her two sons Kenneth and Nathan. Julie was the fourth of six loving siblings. She was preceded in death by brothers Herminio and Hector and she leaves behind her brothers Angel (Barbara), Carlos, and Raymond, as well as a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loving family and friends.

Julie's funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel, 7301 W. Nash St., Milwaukee. (PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY). The service will be livestreamed beginning at 12 PM and can be viewed live or anytime after at:

https://my.gather.app/remember/julia-maria-watkins