Julia Ann McNelis

Julia Ann McNelis, 79, of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021 at Rosegate Village after and extended illness.

She was born April 21, 1942 in Indianapolis. The daughter of Patrick J. and Margaret M. Sullivan McNelis. She grew up in
Irvington and graduated in 1960 from Scecina Memorial High School. She attended Indiana University, Indianapolis.
Julie was an administrative assistant at RCA for over 25 years and retired from Wishard Hospital in 2012. She was no stranger to hard work often holding down three jobs. Her happiest years were those when she worked her day job and weekends at the VFW or Sam’s Club.

She is survived by her sisters Mary Ellen Utter, Maggie (Jerry) Ban and two brothers Patrick (Susan) and James McNelis and many nieces and nephews. Julie was able to live independently for the last three years due to the support, care and compassion she received from her best friend Jackie Chapman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Katie Haun and brother Thomas McNelis.

Julie enjoyed traveling and never turned down an invitation to do so. Her travels included Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, many National Parks, Las Vegas and in later years day trips to her favorite casinos. On every trip she was a souvenir junky. Always purchasing keychains, postcards, cook books and glassware. You were sure to get a souvenir for Christmas following a trip. Proud of her Irish heritage she never missed a St. Patrick’s Day at the Golden Ace. May was her favorite month of the year to be at the 500 Parade, race parties, or cheering on her driver hoping to win big.

Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Rd, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Catholic Church or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. O’Riley Funeral Home is honored to serve the McNelis family. Please visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com to share a memory of Julia.