Julie Ann Mente, age 81, of Shawano, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022, at her home. Julie was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on February 7, 1941, to the late Severs and Emma (Spera) Brosio. She grew up in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1959.  On August 5, 1961, Julie was united in marriage to Raymond Mente at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. The couple welcomed their first child Stephen in Iron Mountain before moving to Baraboo where they lived for two years.  In October of 1964 Ray and Julie relocated to Shawano. There they welcomed their daughter Ann and another son, Matthew.  Julie worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Housing Authority until her retirement in 1997.  She then served on the Board of Commissioners for the Shawano County Housing Authority for nearly twenty more years and was integral in starting Elizabeth Manor. Julie had a devout Catholic faith and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  She had a passion for music and enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as playing clarinet and piano.  She encouraged her children and grandchildren to explore music and the arts, treasuring each recital and concert they played in.  Julie also spent much of her time cheering on her husband, her children, and her grandchildren while they participated in sports over the years.  She also enjoyed spending time reading and rooting for the Cubs and Packers.

Far and away the thing that brought her the most joy in her life was her beloved family.  Julie cherished the quality time she was able to spend with them. She could be found playing cribbage, board games, and even badminton with her children and grandchildren.  Julie was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed sharing her favorite Italian foods and traditions with her family and friends.  Mealtimes were especially entertaining as she would share stories about her childhood in the UP.  Each story including the childhood nicknames of her friends and family, adding a special flare to each recount. Julie had a special bond with her sister and always delighted in her presence, particularly enjoying the silly life experiences that they shared. She was a wonderful example to her family of how to show love and support for the people you love. She will be deeply missed by the family she leaves behind.

Julie is survived by: her husband of 61 years, Ray; their three children, Stephen (Suzanne) Mente of Muskego, Ann Mente of New Berlin, and Matthew (Katrina) Mente of Shawano; five cherished grandchildren, Melissa (Ernie) Barrameda, Anthony (Abbey) Mente, Katheryn (Joe Heitz) Mente, Sarah Mente and Joseph Mente; four great grandchildren, Olivia, Reyna, Cecelia, and Graham; a sister, Gina (Michael) Hamari of Minnesota; nieces, Nicole and Christina; as well as other nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Mass for Julie will be held at 11:00 am on November 5, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with Fr. Scott Valentyn officiating. Inurnment will follow in Sacred Heart Mausoleum.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred for Lustgarten Foundation: Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Shawano Schools Performing Arts Boosters Corporation, or the Sacred Heart Religious Education Program.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Shawano, Appleton, and Neenah ThedaCare hospitals for the quality care they provided while Julie battled cancer.  The staff's heartfelt compassion, kindness, and encouraging words gave her the spirit to remain strong.