It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, stepmother, and aunt, Julie Little at age 78. She passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, with her loving family by her side.
Julie was born in Llandybie, Wales, UK, one of two children to parents John and Olwen Lyons. As an infant they moved to Oxford, England where she was raised and attended Cheney Girls School. In the 60’s Julie immigrated to Canada where she started a family raising her two children Troy and Tracey Way.
Her true pride and joy was becoming a Nana to her first Grandson Tyler Rooney. Many days were cherished together watching the trains, exploring the city and having French toast at Intercity. She was overjoyed to attend Tylers wedding last year, gaining a Granddaughter, Chelsea, who brought much love and fun to Nana Ju-ju’s life. She loved her visits with them even just to play games or look after the fur babies. Her final Mother’s Day just a week before passing was celebrated with a ‘high tea’ party with her daughter Tracey and son-in-law Paul, and the rest of her family. This memory will never be forgotten by all, it was her last outing, celebrated in true ‘Julie’ style.
It was in 1996 she met the love of her life, Douglas Little in Thunder Bay, and started a new chapter together getting married and celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on June 26th, 2024, just short of celebrating their champagne anniversary this year. Her life was enriched with more family gaining two sisters and five brothers, step-son (and family) through marriage.
Jule had many interests which include playing darts at the Elks where she was an honoured Royal Purple president in her younger days. You would often find Julie at the Galaxy, playing her favourite pastime, bowling, especially with the Alley Cats, for over 50 years. She was fortunate to attend this years bowling banquet with the girls one last time before her passing. She loved to travel, starting with trips to Gimli to watch Doug ski-dive followed by ones out to B.C. to visit some of her new brothers and sisters. She loved trips to Alabama and Florida Disney world spending time with stepson Richard and wife Amanda, and being Grandma to her three grandchildren Mary Catherine, Jonathan, and Peter. Distance didn’t stop Grandma from celebrating birthdays with phone calls and all special occasions with her grandchildren.
Her love for the outdoors was evident in her weekends spent with family camping at Dog Lake. She made the best campfire breakfasts, enjoyed family cornhole tournaments, with many fish fries, lots of laughter around the campfire, a glass of wine never far from reach. Many memories made, to be cherished forever.
Julie was outgoing and friendly, never giving up the chance to stop to talk to the people she knew, and making friends with strangers. Her fun-filled personality and English accent drew friends and family close together, which will deeply be missed. Her love for animals was also evident, welcoming all the dogs that came and went at her house, and especially her favourite, her chihuahua, Peanut, whom she will now be reunited.
As we bid farewell, we will celebrate her life lived with boundless affection and an open heart. Her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will live on in the stories shared around campfires and family dinners for generations to come. Julie's life was a testament to the beauty of a kind word, a friendly smile, and the enduring power of love. Julie is survived by her loving husband Douglas Little, son Troy Way, her daughter Tracey Way (Paul), grandchildren Tyler (Chelsea), Mary (Jacob), Jonathan, Peter, niece Emily, and many cousins. Predeceased by her parents Olwen and John Lyons, brother Michael, her special Aunt Meirwen (Alan) and numerous Aunts and Uncles and relatives.
We would like to thank the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) and everyone involved in the homecare for making Julie’s final days and hours to be in comfort and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay Cancer clinic would be appreciated.
As this caught the whole family unprepared for how quickly she passed and as per Julie’s wishes there will be no service but a Celebration of Live will take place in the future.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
