Julie Metcalfe
May 22, 1965 - November 28, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Julie Bush Metcalfe, age 51, devoted and beloved mom to Nicole Susan and Ella Michael Zimbrick, and loving wife and friend to Tim Metcalfe and his daughters Amanda Metcalfe and Alexandra (Mario) Millonzi, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016. Julie was a lifelong Madison resident. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1983 and UW Madison in 1987. Julie was always the life of the party. Her grace, spirit and personality drew people together and she was quick with a joke or a comeback that made people laugh. Oh, how she loved to laugh. She was beautiful, smart, fashionable, and athletic, and her smile lit up the room. Julie was a loyal and faithful mother, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. She rejoiced in her family and did everything she could to bring them together. Julie was always the caretaker, always the rock, always the one who made sure everyone was included. She was an accomplished rider and loved her horses. In July of 2010, she married her love, Tim. They shared a passion for family and philanthropy, especially the American Family Children's Hospital. Julie and Tim enjoyed the mountains and had so much fun in Colorado. They also adored their three furry children, Maise, Nelly and Kitty. She was so excited to be a grandmother with Tim to Allie and Mario's baby, Zoe. Jules was most proud of her two daughters, Nikky and Ella. They were the light of her life. She rejoiced in every aspect of being their mother and their friend. She was so proud of who they grew up to be. In addition to her husband and daughters, Julie is survived by her mother, Lynne (Schwarm) Bush; sister, Susan (Gregory) Robers and their children, Kyle and Connor of Carlsbad, Calif.; two brothers, Andrew (Anna) Bush and their children, Austin, Hudson and Isabella of Boulder, Colo., and Scott (Ann) and their children, Stella and Margo of Madison; and beloved cousins, Lynne (Jim) Pope and Katie Schwarm. She was preceded in death by her cherished father, William (Bill) Bush; and her precious uncle, Jay; and aunt, Helen Schwarm. A Celebration of Julie's Life will be held at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Madison, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, and at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the American Family Children's Hospital: http://uwhealthkids.org/julie. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608)442-5002
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Memories
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Susan Sweeney Sawle
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Julie was my best friend in 7th and 8th grade at black earth elementary. I lost touch with her when she moved to Madison after 8th grade. You have my deepest sympathy. My Brother Jeff passed away on Nov. 14 due to depression. I hope people will recognize what a awful illness this is. Susan Sweeney Sawle.
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Timothy Harrington
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Julie and I reconnected at our class reunions and I remember her laugh. In fact I hear it now. At our 30th reunion she again was laughing and also sharing about her struggles and overcoming them. She knew I was safe because I too have struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. I have dedicated my life to helping families who struggle with these illnesses. What I want to say in her honor is that it's OUR responsibility to eradicate the stigma around the illness, so that others may overcome and ask for help. Rest in paradise, Julie. I will miss you at the next reunion but you can bet that we will all share a story and we will smile and laugh in your memory as you wouldn't have it any other way.
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Cherie Imhoff
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I knew Julie through my sister Donna Eaton and the the work they did providing food for the Grace Homeless Shelter. She was always a joy to talk to and yes her smile did light the room. Blessings to all of Julie's family at this sad, sad time.
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Julie Johnson
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May Peace Attend Thee.
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Peggy Gierhart
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I will forever miss her beautiful smile, laugh, and huge heart. She was so observant and sharp. She was one of my friends who I knew would always listen when I talked. She had the most charming personality. She loved her daughters so much as she would glow when talking about them. Only a severe illness could take her from them. Prayers and love to her family. xoxo
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Michelke Hoppe
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I am so very sorry for the loss of Julie! I just moved back to Madison and was so looking forward to seeing her again and laughing with her again! We had fun times in high school and in vail and at the old jingles dancing after badger games! Rest in peace lovely lady! You will be missed but never forgotten!!