Julia Finlayson was a loving spouse, sibling, aunt, and friend. She left her suffering behind on Sunday July 28, 2024, at age 62. Diagnosed with leukemia in November 2023, the struggle with her illness took its final toll. Those who love her, are heartbroken at the loss of such a wonderful spirit.
She was born to George and Betty Finlayson on June 25, 1962, in Mansfield Ohio. The youngest of six siblings, Julia was musical, athletic, fun loving, and really tall.
Athletic her whole life, Julia excelled in track and field in high school. “Big Daddy” George always wanted one of his children to love sprinting as much as he did, and Julia was that child. A lifetime volleyball enthusiast, she got to know her husband Randy on the volleyball court.
After graduating from Ohio State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1985, Julia made her way to Virginia where she pursued her love of animals as one of the vets at Pender Veterinary Centre in Fairfax Virginia. She dedicated her life to the care of animals. She was a great diagnostician who took the time with her patients. When walking with Julia, you knew she would stop and visit with every furry creature that came along. More interested in the animal than the human, she would bend down to give the critter a greeting. She had a sneaky way of checking the animal’s sex and quickly declare “good boy (or girl)” depending on the clandestine exam. She would also palpate the poor beast’s organs and share a diagnosis with the unsuspecting human if she sensed something wrong.
Julia appreciated the simple things in life. While she lived in Florida, Julia maintained her beloved house in the “holler” of Sperryville VA. She was never happier than sharing stories with her friends at hollow parties or walking through the wooded beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Her love of nature included hunting for sharks’ teeth on the beach, kayaking with the manatees, and wandering the great outdoors with her husband Randy.
Julia had an easy way with everyone. Her wit was sharp and her laugh infectious. She was a fantastic aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She had a playful sense of humor, and it showed in the many small gifts she sent to the children over the years. She once sent baby Crocs to her great nephew Harrison and told his mom, “They came from the dump, but its not as bad as it sounds.” The gift was a perfect match for the child as well as the parents, who love thrifting.
Julia is survived by her husband Randy Teets, her beloved cat Pleather, mother Betty Finlayson, siblings Beth McClain (Phil), Doug Finlayson (Jim), Jean Finlayson (Larry), Ann Marquis (Larry) and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father George Finlayson, brother Paul Finlayson, and nephew Tim Brooks. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter.
Funeral Home: Baldwin Brothers Tavares Funeral Home