Nov
24
24
Going Home to Jesus
Julie Michelle Koch Lyons went to be with the Father tonight, Saturday, November 24th around 9pm. Surrounded by her family and friends, she passed peacefully in her sleep.She was very much loved and will be very much missed.Please keep the Lyons and Koch families in your prayers.Click here for funeral arrangement information.
Posted in Faith
I’m sorry.
May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Know that many are praying for you.
Scott B.
Pasadena, TX
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now and forever. “They ask me what I loved most about life, I smiled and thought about you.”
Sending love and prayers and peace.
Heidi and I offer our deepest condolences to you and your family, and pray that God will comfort you thru this time as He welcomes Julie home.
Bryan
Praying for a peace that surpasses all understanding during this difficult time.
RIP Julie, you are finally HOME!
Angelica Hamilton
My heart is heavy with sorrow for Julie, her family, and friends. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Words cannot begin to express the sorrow that we feel in our hearts for your entire family and circle of friends. Julie is one remarkable woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. May the beautiful memories of the love your family shared be a comfort to you now and through all the days ahead.
Our thoughts, prayers and tears are with you all. May God bless you and comfort you.
Sending lots of prayers for peace and calm.
I’m so sorry for your loss. ((hugs)) and prayers,
Melissa
Kenneth just told us…know that our prayers are with you. Julie’s an incredible person, and we’re lucky enough to have known her.
“And until we meet again, may God Bless You and Hold You in the palm of His hand.”
Our thoughts are with your family during this time. Julie was a true inspiration and she will be remember in the hearts of all who knew her and loved her.
Ashley & Jesse Kerr
I am so saddened to hear the news and so sorry to the Koch and Lyons families for their tremendous loss. I feel honored to have known Julie.
Brendan..I found out from April, and did not make it to the hospital on time to say my goodbye’s to a terrific woman and a friend. Julie was such a dear person to myself and my husband. We will miss her smiles, sense of humor, and kind heart. We were so blessed to have someone like her enter our lives, but most of all be a friend to us. We will miss her so much. Our prayers go to you Brendan and the kids in this time of loss. You will be in our prayers tonight to bring you strenght for yourself and your children’s strenght. God Bless our Julie…..we will never, ever forget her. We now know that she will have the strenght to take care of all of you forever from heaven, and in your hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers going up for your entire family.
Sending prayers and love your way.
I am so sorry. I pray for peace to get through this time.
I am so sorry about your loss. I have prayed for your family on a daily basis and was even thinking of Julie this evening. My heart is just heavy with sorrow for you and your precious children. Julie did not loss her battle she is now in a much better place looking over her beautiful children and devoted husband. She is now free of that nasty disease and in a beautiful place. I send a pray up above this evening to bring comfort and peace to your family.
God Bless,
De Anne Barker
Arvada, CO
Praying for you all.
Raquel
Continuing to pray for your family.
I just found out from an e-mail from my sister-in-law, Debbie Charter. Nicholas and I are on our way “home” to Africa right now and are in Paris. We had a layover of several hours in Houston yesterday, and as our plane took off, I had this feeling come over me that Julie was at peace. I am so glad that we got to spend some time together recently, no matter how brief. We are blessed to have known such a wonderful person with the biggest smile of anyone I have ever seen, and now, even more blessed that this beautiful angel is watching over our shoulders. To Brendan and the kids, and to the Koch family, we love you very much and our prayers are with you all, now and always.
Our hearts sank tonight as we knew about Julie. Our deepest condolences to all her family speccially Brendan. Julie was and will contiue being my hero. She has been the perfect roll model of the loving and caring mother, wife and friend that I will follow in her honor. I feel very lucky to have met such a wonderfull human being and have learned so much from her. I will never forget you Julie. God bless you.
Adriana
Brendan and family:
Words just don’t come at a time like this. I’m so very sorry. Our family has prayed for you all tonight. We will continue to pray over the coming months for God’s supernatural healing, power and transcending peace to be upon your entire family.
Love,
The Pipers
Our hearts sank tonight as we knew about Julie. Our deepest condolences to all her family specially Brendan. Julie was and will contiue being my hero. She has been the perfect role model of the loving and caring mother, wife and friend that I will follow in her honor. I feel very lucky to have met such a wonderfull human being and have learned so much from her. I will never forget you Julie. God bless you.
Adriana
Please know that people like me, who know of your wonderful family only through this blog are crying for you tonight. Deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I just don’t know what to say, except we are praying for you, Brendan, the kids and all of the Koch and Lyons family. Heaven has another angel tonight.
Although we have never met, I still feel the pain at your loss. My prayers to your family in this difficult time. You have an angel looking after you.
My deepest condolences to you. Julie, and all of you, have been such an inspiration. Wishing you the strength only God can give you at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the passing of an incredible woman.
I am so incredibly sorry. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I too share your sorrow at this time, even though we have not met. Peace and love to the entire family.
No words can take away the pain of losing a loved one, but I hope you are able to take comfort in knowing she is free from pain and will always be with you. Peace be with you all, you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss, you’re all in my thoughts.
Alette
(The Netherlands)
May the Lord watch over both the Lyons and Koch family during this time. I pray that you also watch over the close friends both have managed to accumulate throughout the years and that those same friends continue to be there now more then ever to help the families get through this.
My heart truly hurts for all you but I will continue to pray that you have the strength to get through this.
Julie is in a much better place and will be missed.
jflo
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss and may the Lord give you the strength and courage to face the future. You are in my prayers.
Diane (Sweden)
I’m so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Everyone who knew and loved this amazing woman are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Julie.
My thoughts and prays go out to the Lyons and Koch family at this difficult time.
*G* (London, England)
I am sorry for your loss and grateful for your memories. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
much love to all at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Julie. I didn’t know her but she seemed like quite a remarkable woman who loved her family so much. I have logged onto the blog often to find out how she was and it was with great sadness I logged on today and heard she had passed away.
Love and strength of you all. May the memories of good times help you get through the bad.
Zoe
My greatest sympathy to Julie’s family and friends. I have have followed Julie’s story for several months now. Her courage and will to fight have been an inspiration to all of us. I am greatful that she will now have peace. Love and prayers to you all through this difficult time.
Lindsay (Singapore)
RIP.
Julie will be always in the morning in our porch drinking a cup of Nescafe…..
Brendan, you must be strong now. Please count on us, your “Swiss & Spanish fanmily”. We’ll phone you.
G&C
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. We continue to lift the Lyons & Koch families and all that were touched by this incredible woman in prayer.
Tracey & Coop.
We are so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. She was a helluva fighter. Take solace knowing she is in a better place where she can be free from pain and worry. Riza and I will be praying for you and your loved ones.
Bill & Riza
Brad,
I only knew your wife through the blog, but I could tell what an amazing wife, mother and friend she was. We will pray, our church will pray (my husband is a pastor) and we will continue to lift up you and the children through the times ahead. It looks like love surrounds you. Much love and blessing, Jeane
To your whole family — my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. While I didn’t know Julie, I’ve read of her and your family often on Carrie’s blog and you all seemed like a remarkable and loving family. I am sending you heartfelt prayers. With love — Becky
Hi Brenden, I know that you aren’t Brad. . .
I only knew your wife through the blog, but I could tell what an amazing wife, mother and friend she was. We will pray, our church will pray (my husband is a pastor) and we will continue to lift up you and the children through the times ahead. It looks like love surrounds you. Much love and blessing, Jeane
I will continue praying for your family.
God bless your family.
I am so sorry for your loss and you will all be in my prayers.
Much love, prayer and peace for your family.
Life is a journey back to God.
Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful and beautiful Mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. She put up such an incredible fight, one that just showed what kind of a person she was…strong, courageous and truly inspirational.
We can’t possibly express how sad we are for you and your family. When we got the phone call last night the only comfort was knowing that she is at peace.
The pictures that you posted were just absolutely beautiful and a wonderful tribute.
Love,
The Ehlen Family
My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with the Lyons and Koch families. Julie was an incredible person and such a bright light here on Earth.
For several months now I have been following your blog after I found it on a scrapbooking website. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that people all over are praying for you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and peace.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I am a friend of Kelli Seyedain and I have been following your blog for the past 6 months and was so optimistic about Julie’s treatment. I loss a good friend andmy Dad from cancer in 1998. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. She was much to young!
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. May God give you all the peace and strength you need to get through this difficult time. Many prayers being said for your family.
Our hearts are just absolutely broken for you right now, but we know that this life is transient and that you will all be reunited again one day. Your sweet family has been a source of inspiration for so many and you have touched many, many lives. I hope that you can find strength and peace from the outpouring of love from your friends and in the true knowledge that Julie hasn’t ceased to exist, we just can’t see her for awhile. Huge hugs and prayers going out to your family right now, and much love from us.
April Rieff
my deepest prayers and sympathy go out you and you family.
My prayers for your family will continue. I thank God for the wonderful life you shared as a family. Continue to look to God for guidance, and He will look on you with love.
My deepest sympathies are with you all. May you find comfort in knowing that Julie is now longer suffering and now at peace.
Godspeed…
May the Lord comfort you at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to give you peace and strength at this difficult time.
Each night if you look up in the heavens and see a bright star you will know that Julie is looking down at you and taking care of you all from her paradise in Heaven. We will continue to pray that God’s peace will fill the hearts of Brendan, Hallie, Jack, and Kendall, and Julie’s love of life, love, and fun will infuse your spirits with hope.
Love from the Oyen family
God Bless you all and guide you during this time. We will miss Julie and her welcoming smile but her spirit and her inspiring fight will always be a part of us. Our prayers will continue to be with you.
I found your site through Carrie’s and have been keeping up with julie’s fight for a couple months now. I was SO shocked this morning to read that she had passed. Please know that I am thinking about your family and my deepest sympathies are with you all.
Brendan,
I am so very sorry..Julie was such an amazing person and will be missed by so many.
i am so terribly sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers go out to you and all who loved your precious wife. i will continue to pray for your family.
Brendan, April told me of Julie’s passing last night. I have no words to describe the sadness I feel for you and your family. I feel so very blessed to have known such a wonderful lady. I know she is in Heaven today because someone so beautiful could be nowhere else. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
I am so sorry for this loss. Julie, and all of you, have been such an inspiration to me. I will miss her deeply. My prayers go out to you.
Jac and I Love you Julie and will miss you so much. Brendan, we are there for you for anything.
I am so sorry for this enormous loss. Your family will continue to be in my prayers. May God give you comfort and strength and peace in this time. Your faith has been such a shining example to me as I’ve read your story…found through Carrie’s bog. I feel so blessed by your example.
When my friend Dennis died of cancer a few years ago(leaving a wife and a small child)his pastor pointed out that Dennis was healed of the cancer, just not in the way we wanted, and that he was forever at peace and happy and living with God.
Unfortunately, it’s those of us left behind when a loved one goes home that then need healing…of our hearts and spirits. May you be surrounded with listening ears and loving hearts.
I didn’t know Julie but my heart is breaking for the entire family. Peace be with you and God Bless Julie. Your children are beautiful. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
God bless you and your family.
Though I do not know you, your lives have touched mine. Peace be with you.
Dear Lyons Family, extended family, and dear friends,
My heart breaks for you at this time. I am so deeply sorry for your profound loss.
Thank you for being so willing to share your journey with us. You’ve been so open and shared so much of your personal lives with us, making us more aware of what should be important in our day to day lives.
May you be comforted in the coming minutes, hours, days, months, and years. My thoughts go out to you Brendan, and your three young children. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
We are very sorry for your loss. We have been reading your story and it has touched our heart.
Prayers going up and wishing you peace.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.Peace be with you.
I can not find the words that will comfort you and your family. My heart aches for all that you and your children, family and friends have and will endure in the days, weeks, months ahead. I find comfort in knowing that Julie is free of pain and illness. I pray that our heavenly Father wraps you and yours in the comfort of his embrace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
I am praying for peace and strength for you guys.
I’m at a loss for words on her passing but I am grateful to have known her. Julies smile will live forever in my memories of such a wonderful lady. God bless you all.
May God be with you and your family during this sad time. Peace be with you all. You will be in my prayers.
my deepest prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family. I wish you all the best.
Brendan,
You know how much Julie meant to me and my family. It is with mixed emotion I have. I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, friend, and the list goes on..
yet she suffers with cancer no more, her life is eternal with our Lord and in peace she will forever be until we meet again. We are here for you and the children and will be devoted to prayer for Julie always.
Blessings,
Jeannine
Heaven is a much brighter better place this morning… Praying for peace and a healing spirit to cover all of you and your family.
Words cannot convey how heavy my heart is for your family right now on the loss of such a beautiful woman. Although I did not know Julie or your family personally, I have been following your blog and praying for healing and peace for you all. Please know I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers…especially Julie. May your family have the much-needed comfort of close friends and relatives to sustain you during this difficult time. As a mother who lost her first child and only son, I can honestly say that you all will carry Julie in your hearts for your lifetime and she will never be far from you…this I know.
We are all better people for having known Julie and this morning Heaven is a much better place with her there.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to the Lyons and Koch family. You are all on our prayers.
Although I do not know you personally, I know you through the Spirit as I have witnessed your faith and perseverance through this difficult journey. Your love and strength was a great witness to me of the very best of mankind! I know Julie’s legacy will be powerful and far-reaching and I pray that the Comforter will be with your family and give you the peace you will need during these days ahead.
Sincerely,
Coreen.
I only know you through Ali Edwards’ site, but I want you to know I will be praying for you all. I was with my friends as their daughter died of cancer and I will think and pray for you and yours as I walk their journey with them. Peace be with you always and in all ways.
I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. I have been reading your blog since the beginning. I will keep you all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
thanks for posting the photos. Jules is beautiful. Bren, I’m ready to help in any way. We love you guys so much. She is our sister, sister-in-law, aunt and godmother forever in our hearts.
So sad to learn of Julie’s passing today. Praising God that she is home and no longer in any pain. Praying for the family today for peace and strength.
Love in Christ,
Kris Noorman
My heart breaks for you and your beautiful children. I am so sorry for your loss. I have given my husband and 3 boys extra hugs and I love yous in rememberance of Julie.
My prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Julie is at peace among all the angels up in Heaven now.
I am so very sad to hear about Julie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your lives and Julie’s life has touched me so much and I will pray for peace for all of you.
Praying for you all.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
My prayers to you and your family. I have read your blog consistently and looked at how beautiful your family is…what a blessed family you have…and you always will!
Much love
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. At least Julie is at home and watching over you. She was an awesome woman.
I don’t know any of you personally, but your story has touched my life. My prayers are with you.
I don’t know you but wanted to send prayers to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Im so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry. Prayers are being said.
keeping you and your beautiful family in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.. You and your family are in our prayers.
Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall and extended family ~ Prayers of strength and peace as you make way through your grief. You had one very special mommy who did everything in her power to stay with you here on earth. Even if I only “knew” you through the blog - I can feel the love and drive you all share.
Thank you, Brendan, for the pics. A big, big Thank You for choosing Julie for your soul mate. Together you have enriched our family with values that will live with us through out our lives. Thank you. I love you. GG
I have no words just profound sadness….what an amazing battle it was and what a wonderful spirit Julie had. It amazes me how wonderful a person Julie was, is, and always will be. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. As we say at the Firehouse…Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace…you guys need anything please do not hesitate to ask!
-Rob Kerber
Sorry for the loss We will always be praying for Julie and the whole family!!!
Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I had no idea how much love I felt for your family until I read this.
My prayers will be sent your way.
With love…
My heart is so sad for your loss. I pray for all of you who knew her, and especially her family, the “peace that passeth understanding.”
My deepest sympathy and love to the entire family.
I am sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. Many prayers and love to you and your family. The photos are beautiful … fitting tribute to a beautiful person.
Bendan and family,
All the Heffernan’s send their deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family - we are deeply saddened to hear about Julie but know that you will be buoyed up by the love of so many - those who know you and those who have come to know you and Julie and your kids through this amazing blog. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
so so sorry for your loss.
she was a beautiful soul
i can tell just from her photos.
prayers with you all.
tara pakosta
I discovered your blog through Ali Edwards’ site and was so impressed by Julie’s courage and strength that I became a regular visitor. You have all been, and will continue to be, an inspiration. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family, and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I do not know you personally nor you I, but I have been reading your blog for several months now. My mom is battling another form of cancer and in my searches I was led to you by the Lord. I have been encouraged by your faith, your lovely family and your amazing wife. May God hold you all in his hands as he cries right along side of you for your loss, yet smiles and welcomes Julie into a home without pain and suffering. You all have an angel watching over you and waiting to see you again. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your children, your family and your friends.
I’m so so sorry.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brendan and Family~
I have been a part of your ‘army’ for several months and am so sorry to learn of Julie’s death. Having experienced a close death in my own life, my heart understands the depth and magnitude of the sorrow you feel. Yet I will pray for an overwhelming sense of peace to surround you as you seek to carry on and live a life filled with Joy- as Julie would be so proud and what an honor it would be for the way she has touched your lives. I will continue to pray for you from afar…and I hope that your journey through life, although touched by grief, will also hold beauty each step of the way. Julie has ‘touched’ my life despite never having met her. May her spirit inspire you each and everyday.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. My prayers are with you.
A link on Ali Edwards’ blog brought me to your blog. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. What a beautiful family you have. May God’s blessings be upon you and may your sadness be lifted by knowing Julie is at peace in her life everlasting.
All my prayers are with you, Tracy in Mass.
Brendan and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. She is such a beautiful soul. I love her laugh and her smile. My prayers are with you and your family. I will celebrate Julie’s ultimate healing where she is now at home with our Lord, where there is no more pain and no more sorrow or suffering. Until you are all reunited, may God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.
In sympathy and His love,
Debra
Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall - My Deepest Condolences go out and the Koch and Lyons families at this time. I have been following Julie’s story thru Carrie’s Blog and then I have come to your site and read all of the posts, looked at all the pictures and have cried, laughed and shared Julie’s story with friends and family. Julie’s strength was vivid in her photographs it made me feel like I knew her.
My prayers are with your family, the children and your friends.
With Deepest Sympathy for your inmense loss,
I only new your family from you blog also, but from just what I have read about all of you, your wife was a blessing and a joy to all who knew her. She was a wonderful wife and mother. I am glad to have known her, if only through the words you wrote. I hope you continue to keep us posted about how you and your family are doing. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Christy
What a tremendous loss for everyone who knew and loved Julie. What a tremendous gain for those she has joined in Heaven. Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Sending thoughts of love and peace to you all.
You have been in my prayers and will continue to be.
Sincerely,
Alexandra
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Our hearts and prayers are with Brendan, Hallie, Jack and Kendall. The stars in heaven above will surely shine brighter with Julie’s loving spirit amongst the angels. Blessings to you all. Mike & Karen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss…..I lost my husband last month…and I feel your pain..and I know there is nothing that we can say…but just know that you and your family are in my prayers…..
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. May strength and faith keep you all strong and united.
I am so sorry. Julie was really amazing. My prayers are for your family. May the Peace of Christ be with you all.
Brendan and Family, we love you and will always love Julie. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with you.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Julie will always be an inspiration to me.
My prayers are with you all. May peace be with you.
May God uphold you and give you all his peace. My prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers this day!
Please know that your family will be in our prayers. We lost a dear friend 2 weeks ago to melanoma. It’s a devastating cancer that steals parents from their children. What would we do without Jesus?
It is with great sadness that we read your messge about Julie’s passing last night. We kept up with her & her beautiful family and the courageous fight she put up this last year. She was truly an amazing woman and an inspiration to all of us she leaves behind in sorrow. Our hearts cannot feel what you feel today, but please know that we are thinking of you at this time, Our prayers are with you.
Brendan, Hallie, Jackson and Kendall,
My heart is broken from sadness, but I am so overjoyed that Julie is finally at peace. God has wrapped his love around her and welcomed her home. I have been praying constantly that a sense of calm and healing will descend on the Lyons and Koch families and over all who called her a friend. Julie will never be forgotten and we will love her always. She is one very special woman and will be one of the finest angels in heaven. God bless you all.
Much Love,
Nancy and Jose
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I didn’t know Julie- I came to this blog by way of Ali Edward’s blog-but from what I’ve read these past few months, she was a remarkable woman.
I didn’t know Julie and also came to this blog via Ali Edwards but just wanted to express my deepest sympathy at the passing of Julie, and I hope with time comes peace in your heart at this very sad time.
Our study has become a holy place for me, a place where I have logged in, checked on Julie, opened my bible, and cried out to God in prayer for Julie. Today it is a quiet place of mourning and saddness….and right now, in the quiet I am reminded of the song sung in worship service this morning…”I’ll fly away.” I am sure that is what Julie is doing right now…with that incredible smile on her face. May God’s peace help you find comfort at this time.
With deep saddness,
k
I am so sorry for your loss and please know that Julie touched so many of us. She was an extrordinary woman that still inspires me to live life to the fullest.
I am yet another who knows you only through your blog. Please know that my heart breaks for you and your beautiful children; yet I know, as you do, that you will one day be reunited as a family. I lift up prayers for all of you. May the God of all grace give you strength and comfort.
My heart breaks for all of you. Please know that Julie touched so many lives…even those she didn’t even know like me. May God bless you and keep you.
Brendan,
My heart has been very heavy today as i learned of Julie’s passing. I was steered to your blog by way of a scrapbooking website, and i found myself going back to learn of your family’s situation. Although i never knew your family or Julie personally, i could literally feel her fighting spirit and determination, as well as all the love between you. Your story has definitely touched me. Although i have no great words of comfort, please know that your family and Julie’s family, your extended family, and your friends, are all in my prayers. I pray you will find some peace and comfort in being surrounded by loved ones through this difficult time. It is obvious Julie was beyond special to many people this world over. Her light will shine on forever. May God bless you and yours.
May God Bless you and keep you at this difficult
time. Julie is with God.
We are so sad to hear this news. We are inspired by the beautiful photos — and the legacy that Julie leaves behind. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. If there is anything that we can do to help, please let us know.
My God hold you in the palm of His hand and provide comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She has her wings.
We are so sorry to read this news. Julie clearly touched a lot of lives and was loved by all who knew her. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I feel your incredible sorrow, but like Jodi Ferlaak, I too know that only the peace that God will bring will help you through this extremely difficult time. May God’s grace be with you and your family now and always.
my condolences… i’ve been following your family’s journey and praying alongside for healing, and was saddened to hear of Julie’s passing, but am glad that her suffering is over. I will continue to pray for the family especially the kids - as they continue their journey here on earth with their mama watching over them.
So sorry for your loss may Gods peace, healing and strength be with you and your family.
I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
prayers for you all
Brendan, Hallie, Jack & Kendall…….I came online today to check on Julie’s progress…..I can’t begin to tell you how sad and heavy my heart is right now after hearing of Julie’s passing. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Julie is no longer suffering, but in a place more beautiful than any of us could ever imagine. Remember….she will always be smiling down at you with her arms around you. My deepest, deepest condolences and prayers to all of you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with your family.
My deepest sympathy. God bless.
I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
To all of Julie’s family and friends, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Julie. Even though I did not get to meet her, I feel like I knew her. Julie’s Aunt Debbie is a good friend of mine and tuned me into the family blog. Julie was an inspiration to me and obviously to many others. Thank you for sharing your story, as there was so much to learn from Julie about living life to the fullest one day at a time. My prayers will continue for all of you during the difficult days ahead.
My deepest sympathy to all who loved Julie. All of your Ants are still out here, still praying for you all.
Our thoughts are with you at this devastating time. We will keep the kids at the forefront of our prayers. May your journey be lighter in days to come.
My heart aches for the entire family!!!!!!!!!! Julie has inspired me! Her time here has changed people’s lives! May your family sense God’s peace in such a real way!!!!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this time.
Julie and her family are one of our dearest friends. There are no words to describe the sadness we feel for your/our loss. We feel so blessed to have been able for spending a lot of quality time with all of you ever since we moved back to Texas. Julie has been such an inspiration for us and will continue to be so. We will always be there for you and the kids. Although she is not physically around us, she is in our hearts all the time. Love and prayers to the Lyons family.
We have followed your story for the past year and your family has been in our daily prayers. Our hearts are with you through this time. Julie’s journey has touched so many people and we hope that carries you through these difficult days.
I’ve been following your blog from the beginning when Carrie posted a link on her blog. I’ve been checking daily for Julie’s progress and am just stunned tonight. I know I don’t know you all personally but reading your blog made me feel like I got to know you and my heart literally aches for what you are all going through. I will keep you all in my thoughts and I am so sorry for your loss.
I am sad that Julie is no longer here to bless us with her beautiful spirit…but comforted in knowing that she is in Heaven now and no longer in pain. I send prayers of strength, comfort, courage and hope for Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall and the Lyons and Koch families.
Love,
T
God bless you all and help you through this time. Julie will always remain with you and her spirit will continue to inspire others in their fight against cancer. The Lyons family blog is a great record of your family’s ability to battle cancer with bravery and God’s love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you in this difficult time!
Leah
Brendan….you and your family are in my thoughts.
Another who has followed your journey via Carrie’s blog via scrapbooking … wanting you to know that I have been so inspired by your faith, determination, humor and true grit throughout this fight. My hope is that you will continue to feel faith, determination, humor and true grit as you face this unimaginable new chapter in your lives. Julie’s peace and spirit will live on through your beautiful family, continuing to inspire as so many of us, complete strangers, have been inspired throughout her journey with cancer. May God continue to bless each of you.
You, your children, the Lyons family and the entire Koch family are in my prayers and thoughts. Julie was a remarkable person and fault a hard battle with such positive attitude. She is now without any suffering and in peace with GOD. Your wonderful memories will always keep her close to you. Look to GOD to give you the strength and comfort doing this very difficult time.
Linda (Marty’s Mom)
Brendan and Family,
Dave, the kids and I are very saddened about Julie. We are just happy she is in heaven looking down on all of us and flashing that big, beautiful smile of hers. We will miss her very much. I always noticed when I was around Julie she brought out the best in me. She just had this affect on people with her bright and sunny disposition. You just wanted to radiate the warmth she was emitting. (Like an angel!)
When my little girl (Reagan) was crying for her I had to explain to her that Julie was this very special person who was selcted by God to be an angel in paradise.
We will continue to pray for you and yours.
Please know our family will be praying for yours during this time. I found this blog through a fellow scrapbooker, and have been amazed by julie’s strenghth and evident LOVE for her friends and family. what an incredible example she was. I pray God will keep each of you close in his embrace during this upcoming hoilday season. Tara
My prayers are with all of ya’ll. With love, Jenna
My heart sank when I read the latest message - not for Julie - but for everyone who loves her. I know Julie is where she belongs. Please know you are all in my prayers.
Deepest, deepest sympathy to all who loved Julie. May God provide you strength and comfort in this very difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathryn (a friend of Julie’s through Liz Y.)
Dear Lyons and Koch Families,
I have followed your struggle after linking to your blog from another blog many months ago. As you stuggled with Julie’s cancer, it is important for you to know that I gained much strength from your family and your strong faith.
My heart breaks for all of you as you face each day without Julie’s physical presence. She will send you a sign that it is alright - watch for it! We can be joyful knowing that Julie rests in the loving arms of her God. Thank you for the gift of your family and your faith.
Brendan & Family,
Linked to your blog thru Brad & Carrie.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Julie.
We will continue to pray for all who loved Julie & know that you will all miss her deeply.
May Julie RIP.
I want you to know that I am deeply sad for your family. I have learned a lot from Julie’s fight about how love can spread so fast from people that don’t even know eac other. I too have been sent here from a scrapbooking blog. I am a cancer survivor, and I will take Julie and her fight to every cancer event I attend. Your family have touched so many, and now Julie is finally at peace.
Suzy in Minnesota
I learned about you through Carrie’s blog and kept reading because our three children are about the ages as yours. My thoughts and prayers to you and yours — Julie gave me courage and was an inspiration on many many days.
Brendan and Family,
My heart breaks for you all. The faith that you and your family have is such an inspiration to me and so many others. The Lyons Family blood drive will go on December 6th! Prayers will continue going up. God will supply you with peace that surpasses all understanding. God is good all the time. May God bless you all.
I am very sorry for your loss, it is shared with many across the country. Peace.
Beth in NY
To Brendan and family:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Julie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Julie fought a valiant battle, and was an inspiration to so many people.
John, Tina and Nick
To the Koch and Lyons families,
I am so sorry to hear about Julie. Know that you all are in my heart and in my thoughts. As I have said before, Julie is an inspiration. Though I only knew her through Sherri, and even then was only around her a handful of times in the past, I feel like I got to know her somewhat through her blog. She demonstrated a strength that is admirable and amazing. Be proud to know that she has touched many lives.
With Love,
Lindsay
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. We cannot express the saddness we feel that she is gone, but we know she’s in good hands with the father and free of all her pain. Her ever lasting courage was nothing but a miracle in it self. I did not know her , but my husband Vernon told me of her, so I started reading the blog and so I got to see her inner soul of strength ,it touched my soul and so I will miss reading this blog.
I feel so blessed to have shared so many wonderful memories with Julie. The pain of losing her does not outweigh the joy she brought to my life. Her friendship was a gift that I will cherish forever.
Julie is in heaven now and at peace. Our prayers now are for Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall and the rest Lyons and Koch family. Words can not express the sadness our family feels for your loss. We are here for you in anyway needed.
Always,
Rich, Debbie, Lauren & Carson Dodds
I’m so sorry for your loss! Your sweet family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
What an amazing woman! I am so saddened by your loss. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
I’m sitting here barely able to see the keyboard, my eyes are full of tears. I don’t even know you but I followed your story and so admired your faith.
My thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this sad time.
Blessings to you,
melly~
You could always count on Julie’s warm, friendly smile - that’s one of my first memories of Julie when we met back in 5th grade. Your pictures show such love. I can’t even express how sorry I am for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers always. Jen
Hallie,
You are the sweetest girl in the world. I am so sorry that you lost your mommy. We have been praying for her every night and we will still pray for your family. I love you. Love, Kaylie
I am so sorry for your loss.
Peace be with you..
The Schadone Family
To Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall,
(and all of Julie’s entire family and friends):
I was so incredibly sorry to hear of your loss last night. Julie was a beautiful woman whose strength and faith has inspired me greatly this past year as I have been in the “army”.
You guys mean the world to my brother Brad and sister-in-law Carrie, so you are special to me too.
I will continue to pray for the peace and comfort that only our Father in heaven can provide.
What a wonderful legacy Julie leaves, having touched so many lives through her life and praising God all the way through her journey.
Love,
Richele Batt Ramsey
We are so sorry about your loss. Brendan, you, your family and your friends are in our prayers.
I am so unbelievably sad for you and the kids…it does not make sense…I know His ways are beyond what we can understand, but I also know that it does not make it hurt any less. I thank God for the life that Julie lived and the countless number of people whose faith became real through her. I pray that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Brendan, Hallie, Jack and Kendall,
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you now, as well as your parents,grandparents and good good friends. We consider ourselves very blessed to have known Julie.Her smile her enthusiasm, and her strength will stay with us all. She was a wonderful spirit who enriched all who knew her.
Nelson and Mary
A heavy heart today to hear of Julie’s passing. It was so obvious how much love she had to give to her family and how much her family loved her. God bless and prayers to you.
I just wanted to write and say that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have not had the opportunity to meet you and your family but have heard the love and support of you & Julie through the words and writings of one of your officiating buddies.
You have a beautiful family and I hope you know Julie will never be gone as she lives right there in your heart and she will ALWAYS be there.
My heart is with you.
Brendan and Family - May God be at your side during this time.
Julie will always be watching over you. Always as an angel.
God Bless you all -
Margaret (Mohr) Moellenberndt
I have just learned of Julie’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. She was an amazing lady who touched so many lives.
I am sorry.
Queridisimos Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendell…trato de poner en palabras todo lo que siento y no puedo. Es un dolor muy grande… Lo sentimos inmensamete.
Isadora, Enzo, Isabella y Valentin Conti
Hallie,
I feel sad that your mom is not here. When you are sad I want you to remember your mom’s hugs and how they made you feel. I send you a big hug.
Always praying - especially for strength…
Honestly, my heart beyond words! I am still trying to grasp words to say>
I am so sorry!
Julie was a rock!
Brendan - you should know - we think the world of you - you really kept it al in perspective!
I love and miss you already!
Laurie
You are a beautiful and inspirational family. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we are praying for each of you.
Brendan-
I do not know you…only know of you and Julie through your blog. I was incredibly saddened to read of Julie’s passing. Having lost someone very close to me only a short year ago, I know all too well the heaviness that must be weighing on your heart today. I will pray that you and your children will be blessed with strength and courage as you go down this difficult road. May the good memories of Julie see you through this. God bless.
All my love and prayers are with you during this time…there are no words but hopefully you know how many are lifting you up for strength right now.
With heartfelt sympathy…prayers are being said for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Lisa D.
My husband was diagnosed Stage IV on April 18th of this year.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of tremendous sorrow….Please know there are many Melanoma warriors out there carrying on the fight for the warriors that have gone before them.
When a durable treatment is discovered it will because of brave people like Julie that had the courage to fight and experiment with trials…
Warmest regards,
Dean and Kris Hedstrom
I am truly sorry for your loss. Prayers being said for peace, comfort and joy in the midst of sorrow.
kimB
we are so saddened and still in shock by the news of julie’s passing. she radiated love and strength into this world and the rays of her existance will still shine through from heaven. she will be missed. the koch and lyons families will remain constant in our prayers.
terry, chuck, eliza and trudie
I only knew Julie and your family through this blog, via Carrie and Brad’s blogs. I am so sad to hear she is gone today but I am glad to know that her suffering and pain are gone. You have her for always in your 3 beautiful children. May God surround you with His love and peace during this sad time and in all the days ahead. ((( HUGS )))
while i only knew julie and her family through the blog, i prayed daily, and always kept them in my thoughts. i am deeply saddened to hear of her passing, and will be sending many prayers up tonight for her and her family.
blessings to all,
erin
My family and I offer our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Even though Julie has departed and gone to live in the House of God, she has left behind a legacy of a million memories. These memories will last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of all the people who knew and shared their life with her.
God Bless
The Caffrey Family - Kuwait
Prayers and peace to Julie and her beautiful family. I’m so sorry to see such a light leave us all.
xoxo
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
May your memories help comfort you at this time. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God give you peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have posted here several times, although I don’t ‘know’ you all personally. And while I have followed Julie’s journey and progress through your blog, I was shocked to read of her passing.
My heart breaks for you and your babies, and I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
May you find some piece during this difficult time.
Hugs
Jodene
(Western Australia)
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We only met Julie at few times, but felt that we knew her well after following your blog. You and your family are such an inspiration to so many people and have touched many lives across the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and our deepest sympathy goes out to the Lyons and Koch families.
Jeanine and Tom
Hi,
I wear butterfly earrings today…to give Julie her angel wings. To let her know she can fly– I know she has the strength and courage to do so– what a fighter.
I pray for you (Brendan and kids)..for your courage and strength to keep your chin up…may you all know many of us are here for anything. Please call on us..we’ll come to you.
Brendan,
I suppose God needed two new angels Saturday as I lost my grandmother Saturday evening as well. I am so deeply saddened of Julie’s passing. However we can only rejoice in the fact that she is no longer battling her disease. She is completely healed and will always be watching over you and your children. You and Julie have touched more lives than you will ever realize. Your faith, commitment,and tenacity are far greater than most can only imagine. My prayers are with you and your family during your time of grief. May God bless you all.
My prayers and thoughts are will you and your family.
God Bless you all.
Rhonda
Like many others I am shocked by the news of Julie’s passing. Brendan, my heart aches for you and your children during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I will contiue prayers for you all during this difficult time.
I am so so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. I have loved Julie as my second daughter ever since she and Jennifer became friends at the age of 7. We have all been blessed to have known her and she will continue to be a force in all our lives forever. She has taught us all what true courage, faith, and love are.
I can not express in words how sorry I am for your loss. Julie was such an amazing person. We will always remember her smile, faith, courage, determination, and strength. She was a phenomenal woman who gave us all inspiration in many ways and touched many lives. We know she is in a wonderful place with an incredible peace and will always be with you. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all of you.
With love and prayers,
Ron, Janice, Kaitlyn & Lauryn
i am so sorry. i will pray that you will be filled with God’s peace at this time. i am so sorry.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you in this difficult time. You all will be in my thoughts prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with all of you.
~ Kathy, Victor & Charlotte (Oregon)
Brendan,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loving wife Julie. Although I have never met Julie, it is very evident by those witnessing on this site that she was an amazing wife, friend, mother, sibling and daughter. Although we won’t know while we are on this earth why the Lord called her home early, we do know that she is with our Heavenly Father. Julie’s example of living life to the fullest with her strong Faith in the Lord through these trials is an example to us all and one we will never forget. My family and friends are praying for you and your loved ones as you grieve during this very difficult time.
Dear Brendan and family,
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. I didn’t know her personally but her smile that beams from your website speaks volumes. I’m so sorry.
We are so sorry for your families loss. I will always remember Julie in the stands watching us work a game. She had a beautiful smile that I will think of often. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rich & Vicki
I have never commented, but your sight was shown to me in the past. Julie was an insperation to me as I faced learning of a brain tumor, and having the surgery required. She was a woman of fantasic strength and love for God and her family. My prayers are with you all!!! To give up someone so special us undescribably heart breaking, but take comfort she is in the arms of our Lord, receiving so much love and in no pain. And I know she is showering your family and friends with just as much love. God Bless and comfort you all.
I am soooooo sorry for your families loss! I didn’t know your wife, but can see the love for life she had in her eyes, in her smile, the way she loved her family as shown in the pictures on your blog. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Take comfort in knowing that God is holding her in his loving arms and she is smiling down on all of us, no longer in any pain.
I pray for G-d to embrace your family and give you the strength that you need to cope. Bless you, your beautiful children and Julie up above as she watches over you all.
I went with my dear friend Jeannine Wallace to donate platelets for Julie. Thank you for sharing your journey.
your family is in my thoughts.
Brenden -
Julie is such an amazing lady and you all are the most amazing family I have ever known. I am so terribly saddened for your whole family and will continue to pray for strength for all of you…. I am so grateful though, that she was my friend and for the rest of my life, I will always remember her saying to me, after I asked how she was doing, she’d say, “I’m Excellent”. I know and believe she’d say that now that she is in Heaven.
Love, The Dessens Family
Brendan -
we are so sad, and will miss Julie terribly. she has been such a good friend to debbie and everyone else. our prayers are with you and the kids, and please let us know how we can help. our family loves you and your kids.
Brendan, my heart goes out to you and the kids. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you comfort in the fact that Julie’s year long suffering is now over.
She always treated Brett and myself great and not only was she a great person, she was also very easy to be around…she was cool. Please,ask God’s help to stay strong for the kids and plese take care of yourself.
Love, Kev
I’ve watched the blog over the past few days and have watched the comments continue to grow. Thank you Brendan & Julie for sharing your journey and for touching so many people lives literally around the world.
I am blessed to have the Lyons as neighbors for the past 8 years and honored to call Julie a friend. As much as my heart breaks for Brendan, Hallie, Jack & Kendall, there is solace in knowing that one day when we complete our life’s journey we will be greeted by that infectious smile of Julie’s and her joyful way of saying hello. I’m not sure that Musical Court will ever be the same without that lively voice ringing through the cul-de-sac as we headed off to work and Julie headed off for her morning jog. She will be dearly missed but will forever be in our hearts.
Heaven got a little bit brighter on Saturday evening.
Julie, until we meet again my friend…
James, Tracie, Ashlyn & Justin
Julie has given the greatest gift to you. A special connection to her heat and soul and you did the same for her. That makes you and the kids special because no one else in the world has that gift. Think of it that way. Julie is OK now. I did not know Julie except through you and these pictures but I know what kind of person she was and the kind of person she made you. Time will clear your thoughts, stay close to God, and you will complete the circle with God and your kids and Julie will smile on you. My prayers now turn to you and family. When the time is right I will shake your hand and smile from my heart. Clay Redford
I am so sorry for your loss and remember: Those who are loved do not die, they live forever in our hearts!
Your family is in my prayers.
Dear Lyons Family,
We are praying for you as you go through this tough time and the days to come.
Keith, Thresia & Hunter Schlabach
All journies have a beginning and an ending. When the time is at the end , we are left with Julies legecy. It is certainly obvious by the above remarks, that she was an increditably enriched person , to whom everyone wanted to be a part of her life . Such strength she leaves with us all . To the Koch and Lyons families , it was good to see you again , and please read Rene’s meaningful poem when you can. It helped us. We are but a phonecall away. God bless all to use Julies strength, as she did.
Brendan,
My deepest sympathies. May God continue to be with you.
Barbara Jones
So, so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you.
So sad such a young beautiful family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lyons Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this tough time.
Words cannot convey the deep sorrow and grief I feel for your family. Julie was an amazing, heroic person. I will never forget her and her beautiful, smiling face. My prayers go out to all her family and friends, but especially to those precious children. God bless you.
Your entire family are in my prayers. May God continue to bless you and give you peace in knowing that Julie is not suffering anymore.
To Brendan, Hallie, Jack, Kendall, and all of the other wonderful people I have came to “know” throught reading this amazing blog. I want you to know that you are in my prayers and may God comfort you at this time. I have been forever touched by reading this blog and seeing how much love this family has. I will never forget Julie or any of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
I was shocked to hear today of Julie’s passing. I found your site through Bryce Brown’s and I haven’t been reading your blog long, but I’ve read it long enough to know that losing Julie is like a star going out. She seemed to have such joy in living and obviously will be missed very much. I’ve prayed for you since I first learned of your family’s struggle with melanoma and I was hoping that Julie would be one of the lucky ones, to beat the cancer and be here to watch her children grow, and to be her for you, Brendan. I’m so sorry that wasn’t to be. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with your and your family, as well as Julie’s family, during this difficult time. Thank you for all the work you and Julie did to bring awareness of melanoma to others. I know that Julie will be with you all, watching over you, until you’re all reunited again as a family.
I went to high school with Julie,and though I did not have the honor of knowing her, I remember she always had a joyful, warm smile on her face. I have been reading about her courageous journey and have been touched by her life even without sharing a word. I send your family love and my deepest sympathies.
Praying for all of you - especially Brendan and the kids. My heart just broke to learn of Julie’s passing. I’m so very sorry. She was(is) very strong and inspiring. May the angels watching over you bring you peace.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May God’s peace and loving arms surround you during this difficult time.
My heart just dropped to the floor.
My prayers, thoughts, love, heart go out to the beautiful children and wonderful husband.
May the love of the Lord bring you comfort thru this pain.
God bless you.
Dayami
We are very sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. I’ve never seen anyone fight so hard against cancer as you both did. Your strength and courage has been felt by so many and will continue to be inspiration for others facing similar battles. All of you will continue to be on our minds and in our prayers. There are a bunch of Lutherans in South Carolina praying for you too!
I was blessed to have known your wife and mother only through this blog. What an incredible woman!I know that God has an incredible angel at His side to look over her family. Sending my thoughts and prayers. I thought of a favorite song, “On Eagles Wings, ” when I read that Julie had returned home. What an inspiration she was to us all. Thank you.
Michelle
In my thoughts…..
Heaven is a much more beautiful place with Julie there; here we are left with the void of her absence that can only be filled by God!
The photographs sooooo understate the beautiful and caring young lady, wife and mother that Julie depicted!
My, and our, prayers continue for Brendon and the beautiful children they share, and for the families as we know we are not equipped to understand the early calling of one so young, beautiful and filled with faith and love! May God fill you up with Himself to address the places in your hearts that are empty now. May He provide you continually with His peace and love!
With a heart full of love for you, and your family.
Owen
Julie will be truly missed. Our hearts go out to the Lyons and Koch families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all very dear to us both and are in our thoughts and prayers as always.
We did not have the honor of knowing Julie but from everything that we have heard and read she was an amazing person! Our hearts go out to you, Brendon, and your children and family. We will keep you all in our prayers daily.
Romans 15:30
“I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
Brendan and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Julie. Words cannot describe the hollowness one feels at a time like this.
I did not think this battle would end this way. I believed that Julie would beat cancer. Maybe that was just my way of perceiving Julie. I could see her being a melanoma warrior defeating all odds!
I prayed every day that she would be completely healed and live without fear of cancer ever returning to her body.
Take comfort in your precious memories of Julie. God Bless you and may you seize part of her determined spirit to heal your hearts and guide you through the difficult times.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
With love and healing..
Bx
My heart breaks for you and your family. I am so deeply saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. I only knew Julie through the blog here and have been keeping her and the family in my prayers as well as my prayer circle at church, I will continue to do that. She was a brave, wonderful woman and fought hard. I wish I would have known her personally. As many have said here, she is at rest now and painfree and Heaven is a more beautiful place with her there. I pray that God wll be with you and provide you and your family with courage and strength and He will do that. Lean on Him. He will not leave you. The pictures are absolutely beautiful and what a wonderful gift you have in them, I know they will be a priceless treasure always. You have a wonderful support system in family and friends and lean on them as well, I know they will be with you. May God be with you through this time. Take Care & God Bless You and Yours.
Lyons Family:
i am so very sorry for your loss. may peace and togetherness be with you during this time.
*
My deepest sympathies to the Lyons and Koch families. Word cannot express the sorrow everyone must feel. Julie was an amazing person and will be missed by everyone she touched.
Judy MacGregor
Mill Valley, CA
Even though I have never met either of you, I understand what it’s like losing the cornerstone of the family and words cannot fill the void that is left in this world with Julie’s passing. My heart goes to you and your family that peace can be found with each other.
May you be able to find some peace during this time. Know that people around the globe are praying for you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Stephanie
May God hold all of you even closer today, tomorrow and every day after…giving you strength to bear this burden, and blessing you with the continued love and support of your family and friends. Big hugs and many prayers for you.
I know I already posted, but I was reading my Proverbs 31 Ministries devotional and had to share the bible verse.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I know it is easier said than done, but trust in the Lord, He is in control.
We are all better people for knowing Julie. The only way to get through this is through HIM!!
Prayers for you - Brendan, Hallie, Jack, and Kendall
My heart is so sad for you, Brendan, and the kids. But we can rejoice that Julie is healed. I pray that you feel God’s loving arms around you and your family at this time. THANK YOU for sharing Julie with us. She has inspired so many. I will be praying for you. {{{HUGS}}}
I am so very sorry. Julie will always be an inspiration to me with her faith and grace. Prayers for peace to you all.
I am so sorry for you loss. My heart has been heavy ever since learning of Julie’s passing. I also learned of Julie and her family from Ali Edward’s site. Although I never met you, I have been following your story and sending prayers. Julie is an amazing example of strength and faith. . . I think we could all learn much from her story. God bless and comfort you and your children. I will continue to pray for you.
Brendan, Hallie, Jack and Kendall, the Lyons family and Koch family,
I am not sure even where to start. I am so saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. Julie and I had reconnected last year and for that I am so grateful. I was lucky enough to be able to share with her how she helped me through a horrible time in my life. Her friendship meant more than she knew. She was a beautiful person inside and out. It breaks my heart to know that her children will grow up without such a special person in their lives. Brendan, stay strong and know that she will always be by your side.
My prayers will be with you as try to make peace. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I have to say that Julie is one of the strongest people I have ever met.I met her in the 8th grade and by reading these blogs she has turned out to be an amazing mother and wife.She gave 100% of herself even when she wasn’t as strong as she should have been physically.Look at the pictures…she is always smiling.God is the lucky one to have her by his side.We are the blessed ones having her smile shine down on us.By reading her posts many of us have seen things in a new light.When we feel we have bad things happen and get upset we realize that others have it worse,but yet continue to smile and give God the glory.She was one that praised God in the storms.Now God has done what he promised…he calmed her storm and has given her peace.Praise God.Yes, it is sad for us here on Earth,but because we love Julie we are happy that she is home in peace with her Father.We will see her again one day.I am sorry for your loss and I know that the kids have an awesome dad to care for them.He will share his love for their mom by things Julie has shared with him.The pictures are wonderful and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to keep up with Julie through this site.It’s okay to cry and grieve,but in time know that Julie would love to know that she made a difference and would want those she loved to smile as she always did.That is the one thing that she has always done since I met her years ago.That was Julie!We are the blessed ones for knowing her.
I just stopped by to see how Julie was doing… I’ve been following your story for so many months. I just knew she would beat this. I am so sad by the news.
Julie will be watching you forever.
I will be praying for your entire family.
I am not even sure how to begin expressing my feelings and the hurt that I’ve felt since my cell phone rang Friday morning and Lil’ Joe told us we should come to the hospital. Julie was and is an amazing person that we were all blessed to have in our lives. She was a true friend. We have all shared so many memories that will live on in our minds and hearts forever. While we are heart broken at this time, I do know deep inside that she is in a better place. I also think about this battle we’ve been in your “army” for and how many lives Julie touched during this journey. She, you, and your kids have shown us all a strength that many others can only hope to have. She has been an inspiration to me to push my limits and do more than I thought I could. This whole experience has also made me realize how important it is to tell and show the ones you love how much they mean to you. Brenden, please know that you, Hallie, Jack and Kendall can always count on Jenn and I for anything. We are praying for strength for you, Hallie, Jack, Kendall, the entire Koch and Lyons families as well as all of Julie’s friends. We love you all very much!
Much Love,
-A & Jenn G
While I don’t know you all in person, I have been following Julie’s battle and praying for her since Carrie first posted on her blog. I have been so inspired and so touched by the battle Julie and your entire family have been battling. Your constant faith and trust in God has also been an incredible inspiration. I was so heartbroken to open Carrie’s blog and read of her passing. Please know that we are still praying for you. Your family is on our minds and in our hearts.
Sending blessings,
Laurie
i have been following your family’s courageous battle for many months now and i am deeply saddened to read of julie’s passing. may god grant your family the peace and understanding to deal with a sadness that must, at this time, feel so overwhelming and unbelievable.
my prayers are with you all at this sad time.
god bless you all and may julie’s beautiful spirit rest in peace
shazz pratten
australia
Brendan, the officiating community grieves with you.
Be strong, my friend.
Our prayers are with you. What an incredible woman.
Brenden, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I heard last night. My sadness is only increased b/c of the hope I felt last week. You — and the kids — are held tight in my thoughts.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Stay strong and keep the faith.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. Thank you for sharing her life, family, and journey. She inspires me to be a better woman and to focus on embracing each moment. Your family is precious and I wish you peace in the memories you shared.
God is with you and your children during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
I have been following your journey. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Peace be with you. Kristin Kanner
Please know you are all in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. Julie was and is a beacon of inspiration. Godspeed to you all.
Brendan,
My heart felt sympathy to you and your family on your loss. I truly regret that I never got the opportunity to meet Julie personally but feel as if I knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so glad that I was still in Texas and could take Julie’s grandma so we could say our last goodbyes. We will just really miss her.
I will always remember Julie as the vivacious, beautiful, and kind girl I knew so long ago in school. Your family was so blessed to have her as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. We who knew her as a friend were better people for it. My deepest condolences to you all.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Julie could not have fought harder to stay with her family. Her courage and strength will always inspire me. You all will be in my thoughts. May peace be with you.
God bless you all. She seemed like such a bright light. Prayers for your family.
Thinking and praying for your family.
My prayers are for each of you-may the peace of Christ that passes all understanding be yours. So very sorry for your loss.
I just feel so, so sorry for your lost. Have been thinking of you ever since I saw it. I didn’t know you in person, but have been following your blog. You are in my thoughts…
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time, Brendan. Julie was remarkable in her battle with cancer and her faith with God! I am sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet her! May our Lord continue to carry you and your family through this difficult time! Brendan, I know we have never met but if there is anything that I can do aside from praying for you, please ask Brad call me!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kochs and Lyons. Julie was so sweet and funny and I am sorry to hear of her struggles and for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
I pray that God will grant peace to your family, and let you know Julie is home with him now. God Bless, Tony
Brandon, may God grant you the peace that passes all understanding in this time of incredible loss.
Jake and Hallie have been such great friends, and the Lyons family has been a true inspiration in his life and our entire family!
The wonderful spirit of Julie will continue to inspire others through her three beautiful children and will remind everyone of her unwavering faith.
Praying for all of you daily.
My heart hurt when I heard of Julie’s passing. I grew to like her very much! I will keep your family in my prayers and in my thoughts. I know the Lord will give you peace and strength to get thru this time. I know she is happy and healthy with the Lord now!
I don´t know you, but I feel deeply for you and your family, may the good Lord give you the strenght to cope. She was lucky to have a husband like you, and the loving children she had. Now that our LOVING FATHER is taking care of her, I know she is in the perfect JOY and PEACE only HE can provide
I have been praying for Julie and your family since hearing of her cancer from Laura Campion. I will continue to lift you and your children up before the only true Comforter. I pray that He will wrap you all in His arms and hold you tightly as only He can.
I only new Julie for a short time through Girl Scouts but have been following her journey. She was wonderful with the girls and will be missed by all. Our prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire family, especially the beautiful kids.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Although we did not know Julie, we know that her love and friendship meant a lot to my sister in law Debbie Dodds and her family.
To all:
It was moving and sometimes painful to read the Lyon’s family blog. As I read I could not help but question why someone with such life and so much to live for was taken, and all I can say is God must have thought Julie had a special quality that HE couldn’t do without. Anyone who has gone through what Julie went through can truly identify how cruel, painful, and monumental battling cancer can be. When I read Julie’s time line, I didn’t understand why some of us who suffer from this illness survived and other like Julie did not. I did not know the Lyons family, but I can truly relate on how she suffered, and as I read on I felt guilty because I survived cancer and she did not. I don’t know if other cancer survivors share my sentiment; maybe that’s just me, at any rate caregiver, like Julie’s husband, you are the ones who soldered on, no matter how hard it got, and we as cancer survivors are in your debt. I know after reading his part of Julie’s story I will hold my wife a little closer tonight, because Naomi was a blessing to me as my caregiver. It is indeed no fun at MDA; the times spent in the ER, infusion clinic, bed units, blood transfusions, blood counts up, then down, MRI’s, effects chemo wrought on your body, and seeing the many at MDA who sought salvation through a cure. I’ve never in my life hated anyone or anything, but I could make an exception for cancer……….A prayer for the Lyons and other families who have and might walk this walk: “God please be kind to your servants, the Lyons family they have had a long and tiring journey, just as many other families who have traveled the same painful path; Lord give them faith, rest, comfort, and above all strength to go on. Lord also give them solace that their Julie is at peace with YOU, and enjoying the reward that YOU have given your daughter Julie”
Amen
”
Signed
A fellow cancer fighter
I have read your blog through Carrie’s blog and Ali’s blog and I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I don’t know what to say to comfort you other than you and your family are in my prayers and I hope you are able to find comfort.
My prayers are with the Lyons and Koch families. I knew her in high school and was saddened to hear of the challenges she faced throughout her ordeal, but she showed such tremendous grace and dignity. She was a wonderful person that could always bring a smile to your face.
Words can not express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Brendan and family:
Our Timothy (Timmy) plays soccer with Jackson. My brother-in-law (my husband’s brother, Dan) is the coach of the team. I did not know until today (11/29/07) that we have mutual friends, Kimberly & George Gaal. Apparently, your oldest daughter and their daughter (Catherine Gaal) are in the same class together at St. Jerome. I also did not know until today that your wife had cancer. I found out a lot about you and your family in less than one day! Anyhow, I just want you to know that Thomas (my husband)and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your children and family. The comment left by Julie’s dad brought me to tears. You are blessed by having such a dear and substantial person in your life. Julie appears to be such a Godly woman and a true friend and soulmate. What a blessing God sent you! And, what a blessing you are to her as well!! (I have heard beautiful things about you both.) Please (and I am not just saying this) let us know if you need anything…no matter how minor or major it may seem. Our prayers are with you, but let us put our faith in action by helping you should you need someone….it takes a village! God bless you. Julie will watch over you and God WILL give you grace to do what you need to do. Your children will be incredible pillars of strength as well. You have a host of angels at your becon.
Sonja & Thomas Spjut
My mother worked with Julie, she thought the world of her. I have children all the same ages as yours. I pray that God gives you the peace that passes all understanding. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Tillery
Brendan- The funeral service was beautiful today. I know Julie is so proud of the strength you showed. Thank you so much for sharing the love you two shared with all of us. It brought some light to something so hard to understand! Keep your head up and your faith in tact. You and yours will be in my constant prayers. Love & Hugs, Melanie
It was a beautiful service today. I am a friend of Nancy Wilson’s and have only met you and Julie a few times, but have truly been blessed by your strength, courage, joy and the glory that your lives have brought to God through this time. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Chelsea
Brendan, what a beautiful tribute to Julie today. I don’t know many people who would have the courage to do that, but your description of why you were doing it and what it meant to you was moving. Your love for each other was so obvious with each word you spoke. May the awesome 3’s shine brightly every day.
You and the kids will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Agreed Steph! What a moving eulogy.. I still get chocked up thinking about… It was a wonderful/sad day today..
Yay God -God bless you all!
I send you peace and comfort during this very sad time.
we are in awe of your strength and grace today. there is no doubt in our minds that julie was holding your hand through the whole eulogy. she is why you have strength. she “willed” it to you. you have to take it. it is her way of being here on earth. i have seen this with my grandmother and grandfather. my grandmother had some new personality traits all bearing a strength so unfamiliar to me. it “was” my grandfather living inside her. i know you will make it because if it were julie, she would. and she is inside of you forever. you don’t have a choice and not that you would ever want one. we continue daily prayers for you and your beautiful family.
ps. eliza wants so much to be there for jackson. we talk about him so often. the three of your kids ears must be burnng!
All my love to you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I never knew Julie but it is obvious what a beautiful person she was. Your family will be in my prayers for many weeks to come. I pray that you will feel God’s hands on you as you are going through this difficult time.