Julienne T. Dempsey

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose kindness and love knew no bounds. Julienne Righi Dempsey, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away in her home on March 26, 2024 at the age of 89.

Born September 6th, 1934, Julie has been one selfless being of love her entire life. She impacted the lives of all people and animals that had the privilege of encountering her. As a devout Catholic, she loved even those that others would deem undeserving of her kindness. She tirelessly and wholeheartedly dedicated herself to her friends, families, and even strangers. Her life was a testament to resilience and unwavering compassion for all. 

Although she comes from a large family spanning from Talamello, Italy, to Peoria, Illinois, she has kept up a century-old family tradition: cappelletti. While its literal translation is "little hats," for simplicity's sake, it’s collectively referred to as ravioli, a term more widely recognized. However, Julie was always quick to correct everyone when they referred to them as ravioli! Every year on December 24th, each cluster of her extensive Italian family makes their own variation of the dish. In Illinois, they produce small quantities of large cappelletti, whereas Julie proudly made them as her mother once did, meticulously crafting hundreds of "regular-sized" cappelletti.

Her joy of feeding everyone extended well beyond the Christmas Eve tradition. Not a single living being who entered her house has left hungry; she made absolutely sure of that. From preparing a meal at the drop of a hat, to bottle feeding tiny kittens, puppies, and wildlife: not a soul would starve on this Earth if she could see to it. Julie’s home was a sanctuary of warmth and acceptance.

Julie is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Dempsey, and her son, Kevin Dempsey. She is survived by her daughter, Terri, and husband Gary Blevins, her son, Daniel, and wife Natalie Dempsey, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless others whom she embraced as her own.

Once Julie was no longer able to attend church, she recited her rosary daily. We invite you to commemorate her beautiful life with us through a Rosary Prayer Service on Friday, April 5th and a Graveside Service on Saturday, April 6th.