Julia Barbara Starkweather, 83, of Sandy Hook, passed away at her home on May 24, 2026.

Born in Winnetka, Illinois on May 25,1942, Julie was preceded in death by her adoring brother, Robert D. Starkweather.

Loving mother to Katharine Ann “Kady” Vales of Hurst, Texas, and Thomas Starkweather Vales (Elizabeth) of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.; and grandmother to Tanner Conrad Vales, George Taggart Vales, and Mason Thomas Vales, Julie was a dedicated “Dog Mother” to hundreds of Labrador Retrievers across the Northeast.

An early adopter of the technology movement in the 1970s, Julie began her career at Multimate and worked her way up to be one of the first woman in Technology Sales, where she excelled, eventually retiring from Sales Management at Raytheon in 1985.

In the mid-1980s, pursuing her passion for work with Labrador Retrievers, Julie started Heron Court for breeding, showing, and housing BYC labs. She ran the Labrador Retriever Club and Rescue of Central Connecticut for decades, where she took great pride in placing dogs with the perfect fit family. Julie parlayed her love of dogs into multiple side businesses, including the regional Invisible Dog Fence Company.

Volunteering a significant amount of her time to Newtown’s C.H. Booth Library, Julie served on the Board of Trustees and was deeply involved with expanding the library’s fundraising via the annual book fair.

She will be remembered fondly for her generosity of spirit and commitment to her community.

At Julie’s request, a service will not be held.

Memorials contributions may be made to Labs4rescue, PO Box 995, Killingworth CT 06419 or labs4rescue.com/donate.