Julie McPhail's Memorial Fund

Julie McPhail (my mom) died December 16, 2017 due to complications from cancer. She was 71 years old. She worked at Texas Instruments for 30 years. After being offered early retirement at TI She moved to Wisconsin to take care of her sister Sue when she found she had cancer. When mom moved back to Austin she worked at Taco Bell.

Julie raised two daughters. Me and my sister Kim. She was one of the strongest and most compassionate people I have ever known. I am sure it was not always easy to be my mom. I was born 3 months premature with Cerebral Palsy. Doctors told her not to get attached to me and not to bother giving me a name. She refused to listen to the advice of those doctors. She would sneak into the ICU to be with me. I am 46 years old now.

She taught my sister and I to by strong and to be of service to our fellow human beings. I am a Community Organizer with ADAPT on both the national and local level. Kim became a deputy sheriff in Colorado Springs after serving in the Army as an M.P. mom was never shy about the fact that she was proud of us. She loved to share our accomplishments with everyone. She called me one day to tell me my sister busted a meth lab in the jail. Her voice was full of love and joy. In 2004, I was awarded the key to the City. For more than 2 years she would introduce me as her baby the big shot. I eventually asked her to stop so that people would not think that I had a fat head about it.

Sometimes when I would get busy and forget to call she would leave me a voicemail asking, Are you in jail for protesting? Call your mother! My favorite one of those calls was years ago when we were busy with a local issue campaign she called and said, it’s been two weeks since you have called! I see you more on T.V. than I do in real life. Call your mother! I called as soon I as heard that voicemail. She was always great at keeping me grounded and reminding me of what was most important in life.
I think she was most proud of being a Grandma. She would love to tell me about every milestone in the lives of my nieces. I will miss those conversations with all of my heart.

She is also survived by her longtime partner Raymond, his two sons and his grandchildren.

I created a profile on gofundme.com for mom . It is not easy for me to do but sometimes even strong people need help.

Her Memorial Service is being held at All Faiths Funeral Home on Monday January 8, 2018

4360 South Congress Ave at 2 P.M. in Austin Texas.