Lions Community Centre
157 Elgin Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, Julie Anne Southwood of Cobourg, Ontario passed away peacefully surrounded by love.
Julie was born in England, emigrating with her family to West Hill (Scarborough) when she was nearly four years old. The friendships she forged growing up lasted a lifetime.
She studied to be a teacher at Trent University and afterwards moved to Cobourg where she raised her three children – and a succession of dogs!
Working in Special Education was a source of enormous joy and pride for Julie. She loved theatre, music, and art and nothing filled her soul more than being creative.
During her final days, she was surrounded by friends and family, sharing stories of her life, laughing, painting – and even doing a little dancing.
Julie is survived by her beloved children, Tyler, Rachel and Emily, whom she loved with all her heart, her parents, Dorothy and Mike, her brother Paul and her extended family in England.
Julie’s family and friends would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Cobourg for their kindness and exceptional care.
We ask that when you think of Julie, you smile and remember her favourite saying: dance like no one is watching.
Please join us for a ceremony to remember Julie, and celebrate her life on Tuesday, January 27th at the Lion’s Community, Centre, 157 Elgin Street East, Cobourg. A visitation will start at 1pm, with Celebration of Life to commence just before 2pm.
I will never forget Julie's courage and beauty. Her memory is truly a blessing.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
Although I did not know Julie, I am friend of her father Mike and brother Paul Southwood. I'm sorry to hear of Julie's passing. My sincere my condolences to the Southwood family for their loss. May Julie forever rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to Julie's family and friends. It was a pleasure working with Julie throughout the years with PVNC OECTA. May she rest in peace.
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We remember Julie fondly. We saw her most recently this fall working front of house for the VOS fall show. We had some great laughs together, just as though we had not been apart for a while. Our hearts go out to the family Rachel, Emily and Tyler, we will remember your mum's smiling face and hearty laughter. She will be missed. Love to you all.
Taken far too soon, we will miss you dear lady. Your enthusiasm for love and life was infectious. Rest now, your fight is over. Our prayers are with you
I'm sorry to hear of this news. My condolences to you Rachel, Emily & Tyler. Hold tight to fond memories.
Dear Rachel, Emily and Tyler, Our sincere condolences. Wishing you comfort and peace as you remember your sweet Mother. Lynn and Doug Holland
I have known Julie for over 50 years. She was a wonderful friend and a caring person in so many ways. She will be missed by many and remembered by even more people: friends and family. I shall miss her smile and the “squeeze hugs” that she gave to those whom she cared for. I know that she is at peace now and chose to say goodbye on her own terms. I shall never forget her and her caring and loving relationship to and with our family and me in particular.
Thinking of you all at this very challenging time. Julie was a lovely person, we had lots of laughs when she visited Vandermeer Toyota.😘
Dearest Julie. I was so sadden by the news of your passing. You were a force, strong and independent women. You are at peace now but your soul lives on in our hearts.
A battle fought by a courageous soul with strength and determination, and the will to fight with dignity until the very end, surrounded by so very many who loved her. Julie inspired all who witnessed this unwavering courage.
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Julie. We met while working at St. Mary’s School in Port Hope, and she was truly a wonderful teacher and friend. Julie had a passion for teaching and brought creativity and warmth into every classroom. She loved incorporating her crafting skills, from beads to specialty rocks, and always found ways to connect with the kids. Beyond the classroom, we shared many cherished moments, like our visit to St. Anne’s Spa with our comrade in arms- Sylvia Brockwell-and spending time at her place with her goats. Julie’s kindness and creativity touched so many lives, and she will be dearly missed. God speed Julie!
My condolences to both family and friends, as I know her bright sparkle and smile will be missed by all. I feel truly blessed to have spent time knitting and laughing with Julie and to be lucky enough to call her my friend. Until we meet again my dear.
Julie had such a great spirit and brought our knitting circle so much laughter and joy. She will be missed.
Julie’s laughter, feistiness and stories will be remembered and missed in the knitting circle…RIP beautiful Julie! Enjoy doing cartwheels and sprinkling pixie dust up there !
So very sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. My heartfelt condolence's to the Family.
I’m so saddened to here of Julie’s passing she was the most lovely person I met Julie a few year ago in the knitting circle she had the most beautiful spirit god has gained a special lady god bless her family at this sad time may she live forever in there heart
Condolences to Rachel, Emily & Tyler. Growing up with you all I remember your mom being such a bright presence. Of course I can’t forget her laugh and big smile. She was crafty, worked hard and loved you all so much. I’m so sorry.
Julie brought into our knitting circle a joyful spirit, kind heart, and easy laughter. She has been greatly missed by her friends at Yarn It. I wish her family and all her friends comfort in their happy memories of Julie and the knowledge that she is now at peace.
Sending condolences to you all at this difficult time .
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Julie, your next adventure has just began. Miss you
Julie I will miss you so much, but I know you are no longer suffering. RIP my dear Friend xo
Donation to Northumberland Hills Hospital Dear Julie, we had such fun swapping stories in knitting circle - we laughed, we schemed, we advocated, we solved all the world’s problems and then, we knit beautiful things. I will miss your creativity and exuberance, rest in peace my friend.
My sincerest condolences to Julie's family and friends. Sorry for your loss. She will be sadly missed by myself and my family.
So sorry to learn of Julie’s passing. Condolences to all her family and friends.
I met Julie at the knitting circle at Yarn It here in Cobourg. I didn’t know Julie for very long or very well, but I do know she had a great sense of humor and could make us all laugh. And she was passionate about knitting and music and her fur babies.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Humane Society
My sincere condolences to Julie’s family. I met Julie through the Northumberland New Ventures Band, a fellow flutist, where we attended Band Summer Camp & had fun playing music, dancing, & enjoyed being together. We will miss her as we celebrate her love of music & life.
To Julie’s Family & Friends - I was deeply saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. I grew up on the same street as Julie and her brother Paul in West Hill; and have so many fond memories of her. Julie used to help us ‘younger partiers’ out by charging a small fee to buy our weekend party packs for us. It was our little ‘deal’ with her that helped us get into so much trouble and really explore of full crazy teens. She was always a generous person and really looked over us. I know she is resting peacefully now and will stay in the hearts of everyone she touched. Rest in Peace Julie ❤️
I will always miss you terribly, but at least I can take comfort in knowing you are in a better place, and your suffering is over.
My dear friend, May your spirit feel the same joy and peace you felt when we danced together for so many years. Best friends in High School and you will always have a very special place in my heart. I will miss your courageous, loving personality but know moms waiting to embrace you. Love you beyond words. Sleep peaceful with the angels Julie Shari xoxoxo
My cartwheeling long time ray of sunshine, now resting in eternal peace. Her life wasn’t an easy one, but she always made me laugh. Her warm hugs will be missed, as well as her effervescent smile. Love you forever my dear friend. 🩷
Julie is in our prayers 🙏 Our deepest condolences to her family.