Julia Catherine (Pappas) Welch, 97, of Waltham, Massachusetts formerly of Belmont, Massachusetts entered eternal rest on March 13, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.  Beloved wife of the late Fred J. Welch. Devoted mother of Mary K. Marion and her husband George, Claire J. Welch and Ed Cornelia, Michael F. Welch, and Dr. Janet F. Welch and her husband Dr. Parrish Rice.  Cherished Yiayia of Christopher Marion and his wife Brianna, Justin Marion, Zachary Marion and his wife Emily, Julia Marion, Matthew Rice and his wife Lindsay, and Kristina Welch. Adored Big Yiayia of Adalyn Rice, Georgia Marion, Eleni Marion and Eloise Rice.  Sister of the late Michael Pappas and the late Florence Poe.  Loving aunt of Kenneth Poe and Leah Churchill and her husband Neil.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and her beloved dog, Teddie.

Julia was born in Cambridge to Costas and Maria Pappas and grew up on "the farm" in Watertown with her parents, brother and sister. The land helped the family survive the depression and inspired Julia's lasting love of nature and gardening. She was cooking for the family at a young age but also climbed trees, threw snakes and was the goalie for her brother's ice hockey games played on the neighborhood pond. Perhaps because her earliest clothes were hand sewn of chicken feed bags, she paid special attention to style and accessories throughout her life. The granddaughter of a priest, she held strong cultural and religious beliefs. Above all, Julia was a spiritual person whose mantra of caring for others was ever present.

While she had always aspired to attend college, times were not in her favor and after graduating high school, Julia worked as a telephone operator at Bell Telephone (and at Raytheon in later years). It was during this time, Julia met and married Fred, her life partner. Together, they held a value for family and friendships with their children at center. Lively events were constant in the home with music, dancing and an abundance of food. Together, Fred and Julia had many adventures both at home and in travels. She lovingly cared for her parents and husband during their own last phases of life.

Julia remained a lifelong learner who enjoyed all manners of creative pursuits including expert knitting and recipe artistry. She was a curious traveler making enduring friendships along with her extensive journeys. Her travels took her around the world including vast areas of Asia, the Middle East and throughout Europe.

Julia's life is less defined by her resume than by her heart. She was a confidant and support to many, offering advice when solicited and then providing wisdom and caring. She was a true and generous nurturer, opening her home to family, friends and strangers alike. Family and good friends were always her true North and trust was never misplaced.

Never forget how much she loved you.

Funeral Service on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11AM at the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts.  Visitation prior to the Funeral Service from 9:30AM to 11:00AM at the church.  Relatives and Friends are kindly invited to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the above named church.  Burial in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.