Julia (Marroquin) Medina, 89, of Fullerton, California, passed away Monday evening, January 18, 2021 at Sunnycrest Senior Living with her daughter, Maureen, by her side. In the weeks leading up to her death, she was surrounded daily by the family she loved.

Julia was born on January 2, 1932 in Depue, Illinois, to Joseph and Refugia (Ruth) Marroquin.  She had four brothers and three sisters—all who have preceded her in death.  At 16, Julia lost her mother to breast cancer and assumed the role of homemaker, caring for her dad and siblings still living at home. It was the role she embraced wholeheartedly throughout her life.

A few years after high school while at a dance in a neighboring town, Julia met Henry (her husband-to-be). While he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War, the two exchanged letters and then began a serious courtship following his return home.  They were married on April 12, 1958.  The two enjoyed dancing together most of their married life, especially at weddings.  When later asked what her favorite dances were, she answered "mambo and jitterbug."

After their second child was born, Julia and Henry moved to California where they raised their four children.  They eventually settled in Orange County, regularly attending children's activities on Saturday and church on Sunday. Many times during those years Julia was employed as a "wire wrapper" for avionics and aerospace companies, including Autonetics, Norththrop, and McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing).  On one occasion, she accompanied her co-workers to Edwards Airforce Base and had the thrilling experience of sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet.

Some of Julia's favorite pastimes included holiday gatherings with family, picnics, playing bingo, traveling (such as trips to Hawaii, NYC, Queretaro, and Guatemala), and enjoying a tall skinny mocha latte.  But nothing brought her more joy than just being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In a prayer of salvation with her son, Michael, Julia surrendered her life to Jesus Christ in 2009 and later that year joined her husband, Henry, in water baptism at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills where they had been attending church with their son and his family.

Julia is survived by her four children, Michelle Blood (Stephen) Mark Medina, Maureen Beckman (Joel) and Michael Medina (Yvonne).  She also leaves behind a legacy of eight grandchildren—Joseph Medina (Blood), Curtis Beckman, Amanda, Jonathan, Martin and Jacob Medina, Haley and Jada Medina—and two great-grandsons (Jameson and Jack Medina), with another great-grandchild on the way.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, February 19, at 11:00 am , in the sanctuary at Kindred Community Church, 8712 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808. The service will also be live streamed at www.kindredchurch.org/live .  Flowers are welcome.

Julia will be interred with her husband, Henry, at the Riverside National Cemetery Mother's Day weekend.