Julie Therese Lefebvre

The family of Julie Lefebvre is saddened to announce her passing on August 18, 2020, in North York General Hospital, Toronto.

Julie was born in Sept Iles, Quebec, on August 6, 1957. She was predeceased by her mother, Grace Fournier, in 1973. Her early life was spent in Cap Chat and Sept Iles after which, at the age of nine, she moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario with her mother and stepfather, John Rolfe.

Julie attended school in Niagara Falls, Ontario and graduated from West Lane High School. At age 15 her mother died of cancer and Julie assumed the role of mother surrogate to her younger siblings. She later attended Niagara College and earned a degree in interior design. She owned and operated her own interior design business in Brampton for over fifteen years and went on to become one of the top sales representatives for Hunter Douglas in all of North America.

Julie was blessed with one son, Shawn Podres, whom she raised while often working long hours to provide for her family. She supported and enabled Shawn's enthusiasm for hockey and together they shared a love of animals, including their beloved dogs Nikita and Tank, as well as Misty and Casper, their Himalayan cats.

Julie had strong loving support over the years from ex-husband Mike Lefebvre and from Tim Reddick both of whom provided caring households for Shawn and with whom Julie maintained enduring friendships throughout her life.

She loved her extended family very much and looked forward with joy to getting together with them on holidays and special occasions usually at her parents' home in Youngstown, NY.

Julie was a talented, artistic, loving and resourceful woman who faced all challenges - and there were many - with equanimity and a smile on her face; forever keeping her focus on the present moment - her favourite saying being: "one day at a time". Her husband, Bill Forsythe, called her his Warrior Princess. Bill speaks of her deep respect and awe for nature; from never failing to notice the newest buds on the trees during their neighbourhood walks, to being continually enthralled by the latest discoveries in the fields of astronomy and physics, two of her favorite subjects. He also observed that she would never turn her back on anyone who might approach her on the street with his or her hand extended. Or how she deeply sympathized with the plights of abused and neglected animals, and lamented the damage she could see we were all inflicting upon our environment.

One of her favorite past times was to roll up her pant legs and simply stroll in a stream on a hot summer day with Bill and Tank splashing alongside. Julie also loved ballroom dancing with Bill, particularly the Foxtrot, the disco Hustle and the Jive. In fact it was through dancing that Bill and Julie initially met in 2007. Travelling was high on her list of special times, cherishing wonderful memories of Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico, Columbia, Arizona, and Nevada.

Julie lived as she danced, with joy, grace, and a rhythm that matched her spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Forsythe, her son, Shawn Podres (Jessica), and two grandsons, Oliver and Lucas. Also survived by her step parents John and Rita Rolfe and siblings, Eric Rolfe (Anna), Sonya Rolfe (Louis), Brent Rolfe (Ari ), Ian Rolfe, Nicole Rolfe (Thomas) and several nieces and a nephew.

The family requests that donations to one of the two animal charities be offered in lieu of flowers. This is reflective of Julie's wishes. Thank you.