Julia “Julie” Birch of Newtown, CT. and for the last 15 years of Fairfield passed away suddenly at home with dignity and grace Tuesday February 10, 2026 at the age of 86. 

    Julie was born in 1939 in New York City the oldest of four children born to Victor & Inez Velasquez.  Julie was a resident of Newtown, CT and lived the last 15 years in Fairfield. 

    Julie was married to the late Thomas Birch of Southport CT for 49 years.  She is survived by her son Tom Birch and his daughters Alexandra Birch and Samantha Birch. Her daughter Kimberly Carney son in law Sean Carney, their son Brandon and daughter Jordan. Her Sister, Lygia Velasquez, Brothers Victor Velasquez his wife Nancy.  Richard Velasquez his daughters Nicole Suliveras, Melinda Grenz and her husband Matt and Richard’s son Marc Velasquez.  Her cousins America Gacharna her husband German.  Joseph “Butch” Grajales.  Julie was the great aunt to Avery Suliveras, Luca Grenz and Lana Grez.  Julie is also survived by her two “adopted” grandchildren Jenna Revell and Tyler Mitchell. 

    Julie was a graduate of Central High School and later graduated from Southern Connecticut State University where she received her Master’s in Education.  She was an educator in Newtown for over 37 years serving as a classroom teacher and then for nearly two decades as a reading consultant at Head O’ Meadow School.  She resided most of her life in Newtown and lived the last 15 in Fairfield.  She was Parishioner at St. Rose in Newtown and later at St Pius in Fairfield.

    Julie enjoyed tennis, participated in theater and was an avid sports fan.  A devoted wife, loving Mother and overly generous grandmother.  Always fun and full of energy her positive outlook on life was written all over her face with her welcoming smile. While being a friend and confidant to so many throughout her years.  Her vocation was being a teacher both in and out of the classroom.  Her gentle way of providing wisdom while never judging was her gift.  When you spoke with Julie you felt as if you were the only person in the world.  Her direct eye contact and gentle way always made you feel at ease and safe.  Feeling just a little bit better about life after being in her presence. 

    Her love and compassion made her known as “Grandma Julie” to everyone whom she came in contact.    

    Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. Services will continue on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 12:00 PM at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. Following the funeral Mass, Julia will be laid to rest at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.

    To order flowers from a local florist, get travel directions, or sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.