Julia Abbe Reina

Julia Abbe (Glazer) Reina 

Julia (“Julie" or "Juls") was born on March 3, 1956, to loving parents Lillian and Sherwin. She grew up alongside her older brother, Bradley, in Dewitt, New York, just outside of Syracuse. Julia went to J-D High School and attended both Syracuse University and the University of Buffalo, remaining a lifelong Syracuse sports fan. 
 

Family was at the heart of Julia's life. She raised four children—Michael, Leanne, and Jonny—and a grandchild, Jonathan Jr., whom she joins in rest. She loved her children actively and was their greatest cheerleader. Julia was a devoted supporter of her children's endeavors, often sitting in the rain to watch their soccer and baseball games, driving long distances for basketball games, and even traveling across the country for taekwondo tournaments. She leaves behind three grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Juliana (“Jules”), Michael, and Kori Mae. Julia also loved her parents dearly and communicated with them daily until they passed away. 

Additionally, Julia was a foster mother to over a dozen newborns and pregnant teenagers, guiding new mothers with her parenting expertise. Her love for animals was evident as she rescued dozens of cats and dogs throughout her lifetime. She also fostered pets and helped trap stray cats in her neighborhood, ensuring they were spayed or neutered and then releasing them. Julia always made sure cat food and a heated bed awaited any cat needing a place to eat or get warm.

As an accomplished piano teacher, Julia won numerous awards for her teaching, with students performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie and Steinway Hall. She was known for being both firm and kind, a rare balance in competitive piano. Julia was a gifted musician herself, and music filled her home, her heart, and the lives of those who had the privilege to learn from her.

Julia's life was marked by quiet strength, yet her love was loud, in every plant she grew, every piano student she nurtured, and every child or animal she welcomed into her home. Throughout her battle with cancer, Julia often felt scared but displayed remarkable bravery, fighting because she loved her family. She preferred to keep her struggles private, so many people were unaware of her medical battles. 

A deeply sensitive person, Julia could easily cry at a commercial, a children’s poem, or a simple act of kindness. However, you did not want to be on her bad side. She loved fiercely, spoke truthfully, and stood up for what she believed in. She loved to laugh, and she was a comedian’s dream. Her guilty pleasure was chocolate, and she ate it a lot! Julia loved watching the news and discussing politics, staying informed about world events. She cherished a simple life, often seen walking her dog Nella (Toni didn’t like to walk) in Somerville, with her long blonde hair flowing in the breeze.

In honor of Julia, take a walk, hug your kids and pets, donate to a shelter, plant something green, laugh loudly, love your people, dance, sing, or play an instrument. And maybe, have a piece of chocolate and cry over a poem.