March 5, 1955 – August 12, 2021
at the age of 66 years:

Julie passed peacefully at home on August 12, 2021 in Salmon Arm, B.C., with husband Stephen, daughter Leigha, and sister Leanne by her side.

Julie was born in 1955 in Revelstoke, BC, the second of four children born to Norbert and Phyllis Stier. Early life in the country set the stage for a lifelong love of nature. Her keen sense of adventure fuelled a love of travel: all who knew her knew of her beloved roadtripping truck, Harmonique, and her backpacking trip across Europe—including a brief and eventful stay in Yugoslavia!

Once back in Canada, Julie lived all across the country—in Ottawa, Calgary, Victoria, and Surrey. She finished a double major in English and History at the University of Victoria and obtained a teaching certificate from Simon Fraser University. After meeting Stephen Smith in Calgary in 1976, the pair married in 1986 and moved from Ottawa to rural Quebec, where they built a house overlooking a peaceful lake—just steps from their front door.

After daughter Leigha was born in 1989, the family relocated in 1993 to Victoria, but the pull of country living proved too strong to resist. Julie and Stephen retired to Salmon Arm in 2000, where the rolling hills and calling birds put Julie at ease.

With sharp wit and warm humour, Julie made adventure wherever she went. She wore a lot of hats in her career—from post office worker to teacher to running her own daycare. She juggled just as much in retirement: between birding, gardening, and environmental activism, Julie made frequent friends with the local animals. She once helped a feral cat with her newborn kitten… and got adopted by that cat in thanks!

A friend to children, animals, family, and neighbours, all who knew Julie were touched by her thoughtfulness and care. Julie is survived by her husband of 35 years, Stephen, and daughter Leigha (Kyle) of Montreal.

At Julie’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.