A beloved wife, a loving mother of seven, a proud grandmother of twenty-seven, a great-grandmother of eleven, and a lifetime Catholic, Julia Ann Maas died quietly on July 30, 2025, at the age of seventy-seven.
Julia was the younger sister of JJ (James) Joachim and the cherished daughter of Kathryn and Benjamin Joachim. She was born in Quincy, Illinois, on December 15, 1947. She was exposed to love, music, and faith at a young age—values that would influence her personality and legacy.
All of Julia’s roles—wife, mother, grandmother, organist, teacher, and quilter—were subtly directed by her strong Catholic faith, which served as the cornerstone of her life. Through them all, she demonstrated her love for God by serving others and reflecting His love in both her words and her actions.
Julia married Thomas Leo Maas, her high school sweetheart, in St. Francis Church in Quincy, Illinois, on August 20, 1966. They fell in love on a dance floor and went on to lead a happy, family-oriented, and religious existence. With each passing season, their love for one another deepened. They went on spiritual experiences that strengthened their relationship and filled their hearts with grace, including pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, the Vatican, Assisi, and several Midwest shrines. Julia never stopped thanking Tom for his gentle strength and unshakable support, and his unfailing care and dedication during his sickness was a monument to their love. They lived their marriage in service to God and to each other, exemplifying sacramental love.
Julia accepted her role as a mother with wisdom and affection. Her home was filled with laughter and love as she welcomed seven children. Julia’s children were inspired to embrace curiosity, appreciate education, and find delight in the quest of knowledge by her infectious love of books and study. She spent her days taking care of her family and making the house a place where everyone was comfortable, loved, and respected.
Being a grandma was one of Julia’s favorite things in life. Reading novels, teaching sewing, and planning exciting bingo games were just a few of the many memorable times she spent with her grandkids throughout the years. The whole family gathered around the table because of her love of puzzles. Every visit was spectacular because of Julia’s humor, tolerance, and inventiveness, which left a legacy of happy memories.
Julia was a gifted organist whose music served as a modest ministry to exalt God and encourage people. She performed as an organist at St. Joseph, St. Dominic, St. Rose, St. Boniface, and the Illinois Veterans Home for many years, sharing her musical talents with others. Her grandchildren were invited to dance around the piano bench, and the sounds she played reverberated throughout her house, adding joy to the holidays. Every time she performed, her music created harmony by fusing celebration with faith.
Due to her passion for education, Julia studied concert piano and graduated from Quincy University with a degree in education. She inspired pupils with her wisdom and faith while teaching religion at Quincy Notre Dame High School for more than ten years. Julia set a good example in the classroom and at home by upholding her convictions and inspiring others to pursue knowledge, insight, and meaning.
Julia was a talented quilter who put intention and love into each piece. She made more than 100 quilts throughout the years, which were cherished presents that surrounded her family with love, care, and memories. She quietly carried out the Beatitudes by providing consolation to the elderly, the sick, and the forgotten through service initiatives like the Honor Flight quilts and the Blanket Project. For Julia, quilting was a means of using her hands and her heart to help people, not just a hobby.Her legacy of love, faith, and creativity is carried on by her seven children: Tom (Mary), Donna (John) Bolinger, Brian (Jennifer), John (Mandy), Mary (Jim) Linnenburger, Janet (Luke) Willett, and Coletta (Brian) Meyer. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Thomas Leo Maas. Eleven great-grandchildren and twenty-seven grandkids are also left behind. Her sibling and dad passed away before her.
Duker and Haugh Funeral Home will have a visitation on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. On Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., a funeral Mass will be said at St. Peter’s Church. Calvary Cemetery will be the last resting place.
