Julie P. Gilvary

Julie Pflaum Gilvary, 94, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after a short illness. She was born on March 24, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, to George and Julia Pflaum. Julie attended Corpus Christi grade school and was a graduate of Julienne High School. She graduated from the University of Dayton in 1952. In 1954 Julie married her beloved husband, James J. Gilvary, who preceded her in death in 1999.

Julie is survived by and will be remembered fondly by her children: Mary Bush, Claire Chick (Phil), and Joe Gilvary (Genevieve); her eight grandchildren: Beth Curtis, Kristina Janes, Ben Sanders, Julia Chick, John Chick (Anna Surrey), Caroline Chick, James Gilvary, and Abaigeal Gilvary; her brother, Bill Pflaum (Menlo Park, CA); her sister, Jeanne Pflaum Gnuse (New Canaan, CT); sister-in-law. Katharine Pflaum ; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, George Pflaum and Rick Pflaum, sisters-in-law Helen Pflaum and Ruth Pflaum Kelly, and her brother-in-law Tom Gnuse.

Before moving to Cincinnati in 2021 to be closer to family, Julie was an active member of Holy Angels Parish, where she enjoyed participating in the choir. Julie was an avid gardener, and she loved to spend hours tending to her plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces. She also loved spending time with her family in Destin, Florida, where they made many cherished memories together. She maintained lifelong friendships with her Julienne High School classmates, notable for their weekly Thursday lunches. Julie was a regular swimmer at the Kettering YMCA and, when she stopped swimming, she remained dedicated to walking, exercising, and staying fit. She shared many wonderful trips and adventures with her “swimming friends,” forming lasting bonds and making memories that she cherished throughout her life. 

Julie was noted for her warm personality, her love of laughter, and her ability to brighten any room. A consummate hostess, she loved cooking and entertaining family and friends.

Julie’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at UC Medical Center for the wonderful comfort and care they provided during her time there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 4, 2025, at Holy Angels Church (1322 Brown St, Dayton, OH) at 11:00 AM. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Private interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Julie’s memory to either: the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur – Ohio Province (online at www.sndohio.org, or by mail at 701 E. Columbia Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45215-3999); the Society of Mary – Marianist Province of the United States (online at www.marianist.com, or by mail at 4425 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108-2301); or the Christ Child Society of Dayton (online at www.christchildsocietyofdayton.org, or by mail at PO Box 292058, Dayton, Ohio 45429).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- DAYTON; (937) 253-6161.