Julia L. (English) Greene

Julia L. Greene, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away at her home in the afternoon hours of October 14, 2021. Julia was born on February 2, 1939 in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Edward and Gertrude (Hutton) English. Raised in a large, Catholic family, Julia grew up in Little Flower Parish and attended elementary school there. She then went on to attend Scecina Memorial High School.

Julia lived in Germany for two years while supporting her husband in his military career. Upon returning to Indianapolis in the late 70’s, she began working for the Department of Public Works for the city of Indianapolis. Julia eventually transitioned to the Department of Transportation for the city where she worked her way up to be the first female supervisor in this sector managing 35 grown men through snow command and mowing contracts for the city. Taking her role and commitment to the city very seriously, she earned herself the nickname “Boss Greene” from each of the men she supervised. Upon her retirement in 1999 after roughly 20 years of service, Julia received a key to the city of Indianapolis for her dedication.

A strong-willed and hardworking woman, it was no surprise that Julia beat breast cancer twice in her lifetime. As tough as she was, she had a generous heart that was always willing to give others the shirt off her back. It was this generous heart that led her to manage ACS (Army Community Services) in Germany and Fort Knox during her time as a military wife. Through this volunteer role, Julia was able to obtain the support military families needed as they moved bases. Her nickname was “sweetie” among friends and family members, as Julia did not know a stranger.

Although Julia was a passionate volunteer and employee, her family was truly paramount in her life. She was dedicated to loving and supporting them, especially her grandchildren, even retiring early so that she could watch them daily when they were young. Her passion for family extended into genealogy; Julia loved to research her ancestors and family roots. A proud member of the Indiana Historical Society, Julia was quite the history buff. When not with family or researching history, Julia could be found cozied up in her favorite chair with a blanket and a book.

Julia’s personality was one-of-a-kind. Her memory will be treasured by all of those she leaves behind to carry on her legacy.

Survivors include her children, Robert (Melody) Syck, Joan “Jodie” Syck; grandchildren, Lauren (Josh) Harris, Jon (Kenzie King) Syck, Kyle (Lexi) Stewart, and Kody (Desiree Huber) Stewart; great grandchildren, Ava, Mia, and Lincoln Stewart; siblings, Jerry English, Peggy Stinson, and Barbara Dean; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Along with her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Amy Syck and siblings, Edward, Alan, and David English, Joann Thomas, Jean Koerner, and Dorothy Engelking.

Per Julia’s wishes, she will be cremated. No public services will be held at this time. Please feel free to make a contribution to the Little Red Door Cancer Agency in Julia’s memory. Final arrangements and cremation bare entrusted to the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence or to share a favorite memory of Julia with her family.

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  1. If tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see, If the sun should rise you find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. He said my place was ready, in heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned and walked away a tear fell from my eye. For all my life I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do. It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad. I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. When I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow. When I walked through heavens gates I felt so much at home. God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you” Today your life on earth has passed but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last And since each day is the same there’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do. You have been forgiven and now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts with out me don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart. Author: David Romano I love you mom and miss you terribly. Rob

  2. Grandma, you were certainly a one of a kind lady. You were someone who was brave, loving, and unapologetically themselves. You were the best story teller, funny, and family oriented. All this was tied together with a side of sassiness. One story you loved to tell was about when we were at the pool once together and you canon balled into the deep end. I guess I looked at you and said “Grandma I hope I am just like you when I’m 70”. We’ll that’s still true and I hope that I can be just like you everyday. Your memory and our love for you lives on forever. I smile when I think of the beautiful welcoming committee you had in heaven. I love you and miss you already ❤️

  3. Sweetie, your love for family will live on through Your children & grandchildren. We will always honor your memory ♥️ Thank you for instilling your values into your son, it’s because of you he is the man he is today. We will cherish memories of you forever.

  4. I have known Julia (Judy) since the first grade at Little Flower and at Scecina. Her family used to live down the street from us on Sherman Drive. Her dad and my dad were great friends. So sorry for your loss.

  5. Dear Jodie, Robby & Melody and All of our family …I will always remember Aunt Julia for her love of Family, her quick wit, her sweetness and devotion to all of us. She first took on the Family ancestry research with my Mom & Aunts Peggy and Barbara and what an adventure it was. What fun the sisters had. She put together the incredible history of our roots and got me interested as well. She leaves us with so many gifts of herself that we will always treasure. I still remember 60 years ago when she took me to the Circus in town. Just your Mom & me. It’s an adventure that I’ll always cherish. She raised you wonderful kids and was eternally proud of her legacy. My heart goes out to all of our dear sweet wonderful Family. Love Cousin Greg

  6. Dear Robbie,Jodie, and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Aunt Judy, that’s who I knew as was a very special person. Great stories, tough but gentle,special bond with her brothers and sisters You’re Mom was truly a gift to anyone that knew her. Hang in there ,that is what your Mom would want. Great example to the ones she left behind. God Bless her,Doug ,Judy and family

  7. I had not seen these notes from all of you. I appreciate the kind loving words about my mother. She was an amazing gift from GOD. I miss you every moment of every day, mom. I learned so much from you. You truly were an inspiration to many. You would be so proud of your family. It keeps growing. You have 5 grandchildren thus far and they are such joy to be around. I know you are looking down and smiling at all of us. Until we meet again. My heart will always be torn. Your loving daughter, Jodie


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