Julia Paxton Barrow, died in her sleep at Sunrise of Plymouth Beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts on June 3, 2026, after an extended period of> poor health. She was 94 years old.

Born Julia Ann Paxton on July 2, 1931 in Providence Rhode Island, Julie was the eldest daughter of William and Helen Paxton. She grew up in Providence, where he father taught English at Moses Brown School, and her mother was a school librarian. It was during this time she met Thomas Barrow, the boy who would become her beloved husband of more than 50 years. According to cherished family lore, Thomas Barrow was the only Moses Brown student who believed his grades were high enough to earn her father's permission to date her.

Julie and Thomas both spent their college years in Cambridge, Massachusetts: he at Harvard and she at Radcliffe, where she majored in French literature. Her lifelong fluency in French later proved especially meaningful during the years Thomas was stationed in France while serving in the army, as she joined him there for much of his deployment. Her time in France in the 1950s remained one of her favorite periods to reminisce about throughout her life.

Following Thomas's military service the couple moved to Columbia, Missouri, where Thomas taught history at the University of Missouri, and their children Catherine and Stephen were born. In 1968, drawn back by the enduring pull of New England, they settled in Worcester Massachusetts, which became their permanent home together.

Julie spent more than 25 years working as a librarian in the Worcester Public School system, a role perfectly suited to her love of books, learning, and community. Summers were joyfully spent in Randolph, New Hampshire, a place especially dear to her heart. There, she built lifelong friendships and became a familiar presence at the annual charades, Randolph Mountain Club hikes, reading clubs, and library events. She also transformed the front yard of their cabin in Randolph into a testament to her enduring gardening skills.

Throughout her life Julie was an avid reader, knitter, gardener, singer,  and devoted member of the community. She will always be remembered for her gentle spirit, sharp wit, warmth, curiosity, and quiet generosity towards others.

Julie is predeceased by her husband Thomas Barrow and survived by her sister Margaret, her daughter Catherine, her son Stephen and her daughter-in-law Joanne, and her cherished grandson Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Randolph Public Library in Randolph NH, or to a charity.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Sunrise of Plymouth Beach and Sunset Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness during her final days. The family would also like to express special gratitude to her niece  Mary Ann Barrow, whose loving support brought comfort to Julie during the final months of her life.