Julie Ann Villani

Julie Villani May 01, 1956 - April 23, 2020 Wenatchee, WA Julie Ann (Nemeth) Villani, age 63, died peacefully in loving arms at her home in Wenatchee on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2020 as a relief from an extended battle with endometrial cancer. Born as a May Day baby (May 1st, 1956), to Stephen and Norma Nemeth, she embodied sunshine and the vibrancy of spring throughout her life. Julie attended Redmond High School and graduated in 1974. Shortly thereafter, she married Joseph Simonet and gave birth to three children. Julie lived in several towns including Redmond, Vashon Island, Chelan and Wenatchee, WA as well as Manitou Springs, CO and Northfield, MN. She was known and recognized for her productivity, creativity and passion as a cake decorator, most notably at the Costco bakery in East Wenatchee, WA for 23 years until retiring in 2019. Following 25 years of marriage with Joseph Simonet, Julie chose a new turn in life. Tom Villani was fortunate to meet Julie at an art presentation by a sculptor at Wenatchee Valley College. Both were fascinated by the process of molding "life" from raw materials such as stone and soon found they were shaping a new life together. They enjoyed travel together, reaching further afield to experience new aspects of life, cultures and art in other countries including many parts of Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Canada and the US, by car, motorcycle, plane and cruise ship. Those many trips were the warmup to the extensive travel planned for retirement, with immediate sights set on Panama, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Greece. Julie was a great representative and supporter of the central Washington wine industry, enthusiastically visiting local tasting rooms and developing an incredible palate for the nuances of many varietals with little formal training. She was an eager wine student through the natural process of sampling. Julie will be especially remembered as a loving mother to her children, an attentive, deeply caring friend, a warm and welcoming hostess and an incredibly patient, trusting and generous spouse. She gave unconditional love freely to so many and brightened innumerable days with a radiant smile, kind words and a huge heart. Despite many life struggles, hardships and pain, her smile never dimmed. Julie is survived by her husband, Tom Villani of Wenatchee, WA; children: Carly (Deshon) Parker of Bothell, WA, Maxx (Muriel) of Brooklyn, NY, and Josie of Philadelphia, PA; sister Cathy (Craig) Koppenberg of Butte, MT and brother Kevin (Treva) Nemeth of Billings, MT and several cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Les and aunt Ferne. Julie's smile welcomed everyone and turned strangers into loyal friends. And all would receive a hug. A Celebration of Life will be held at a date, time and place to be determined once large social gatherings are allowed again. While Julie excelled at drawing people to her, she would also respect the need to avoid close contact during a pandemic. You are invited to share a memory and/or leave a condolence (on the memory wall section), or bask in the glow one more time of Julie's amazing, beautiful smile (on the photos & videos section). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or donations are welcome for the Palliative Care and Hospice program of Confluence Health Foundation at 518 N Chelan Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801 (available at the link below "Service Details" marked "Donations"). Special thanks are due to the nursing team of the Confluence Health Oncology Department.

Julie Ann Villani

May 1, 1956 - April 23, 2020