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.