Julia E. Brown

Julia E. Brown (née Seltner)—affectionately known as Julie, Pickle, Jules, and Momma Bear—passed peacefully on May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends. After a long and full life, she is now eternally healed.

Julie shared 71 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Clifford—a partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Jodie, who was the center of Julie’s world.

Born on February 12, 1936, in Philadelphia, Julie was the cherished daughter of Charles and Esther (née Wajda) Seltner. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear sister, Helen. Julie and Cliff married in 1954 and made their home in Philadelphia, where they built a life rich in family, friendship, and community.

In February, Julie celebrated the remarkable milestone of her 90th birthday, surrounded by those she loved most.

Julie began her career as a bookkeeper at Frankford Trust Bank, where she formed lifelong friendships. After stepping away to raise Jodie, her natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit led her into product demonstrations and sales, including Dutchmaid Clothing, Tupperware, Avon, and Mary Kay. She later returned to banking, where her dedication and warmth led to her promotion as Assistant Manager of the Bensalem Branch and eventually Branch Manager. Julie was known for her personal touch—she knew her customers by name and treated each like family.

Deeply rooted in her community, Julie made history in 1990 as the first woman President of the Bensalem Chamber of Commerce and also served on the Board of Directors for Delta School. She found joy in bowling, participating in leagues at Thunderbird Lanes and Longshore Lanes. She also loved gardening, sewing, and crocheting—gifting many family members with handmade afghans, each one a lasting expression of her love.

In retirement, Julie and Cliff embraced life through travel, creating cherished memories in places such as Florida, Niagara Falls, Myrtle Beach, Oklahoma, Lake Tahoe, and Lake George. Their adventures reflected Julie’s spirited and adventurous nature.

Julie loved staying connected with others. She regularly called or texted family and friends—sometimes even at 3 a.m. by accident while working jigsaw puzzles on her iPhone. Staying in touch with those she loved was always important to her.

After purchasing their forever home in the Academy Gardens section of Philadelphia, Julie and Cliff began hosting gatherings that became legendary. In the early years, themed parties—from Roaring ’20s to hoe-downs and luaus—brought together family, neighbors, and coworkers. For over 35 years, they hosted cherished Fourth of July picnics, welcoming

loved ones into their home and around their pool from the 1980s through 2019. These gatherings became a treasured tradition filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories. Julie was especially known for her delicious fried chicken and her signature “Julie Juice” (Manhattans).

A woman of deep faith, Julie was a lifetime member of St. Valentine’s Polish National Catholic Church, where she faithfully served as Treasurer for many years. She devoted countless hours to her church community—crafting wreaths and grave blankets and preparing traditional Polish foods such as chrusciki, pierogies, and golumpki. Her generosity and dedication touched many lives.

Julie’s warmth and kindness made her unforgettable. Her spirit and energy lit up every room. She greeted everyone with a smile and said so long with a hug. Though life brought its share of challenges, she remained steadfast in her desire to bring joy to others. She found happiness in helping others smile, laugh, and feel cared for. She proudly participated in Bensalem Relay for Life, walking as a Survivor – Team Camps Champs from 2012 until the national COVID shutdown in 2020.

Throughout her life, Julie supported numerous charitable organizations, including St. Joseph’s Indian School, the American Legion, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the American Cancer Society, including Bucks County Relay for Life – Camps Champs. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to one of these organizations or a charity close to your heart.

Julie’s legacy is one of love, generosity, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Cliff; their devoted daughter, Jodie; along with many loving cousins, a cherished sister-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and many-many friends who were all touched by her love.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Allen Wohl for his ongoing compassionate care; Dr. Moshe Chaskey for helping save Julie’s life following her cancer diagnosis in 2009; and the compassionate nurses and therapists from Southeastern Home Health Services (now AccentCare), as well as the dedicated doctors and nurses of Jefferson Torresdale Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

A personal note from Jodie: Thank you all for loving and perhaps caring for my hero—my rock—my stubborn, feisty, strong, and beautiful purple-haired mom. My biggest supporter, no matter what I was involved with. She always tried so hard. I am forever grateful for the love, care and kindness everyone has shown to her.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time. Interment will be private.