Online Obituaries

Julie M. (Sittard) Leonard, 78, of Chicopee, died on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center. She was a forty-seven-year educator serving in the Chicopee Public Schools first as a Teacher, then as Vice Principal at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, and then as the Principal of Bellamy Middle School. Julie’s dedication to the field of education was evident as she served on many New England Association of Schools and Colleges visiting committees and also was a member of the New England League of Middle Schools. As a teacher, Julie was a devoted advisor of the Future Teachers of America club, helping students to explore the field of education as a career option. Upon retirement, Julie continued her work in the classroom as a teacher for the Diocese of Springfield Schools. Her passion for teaching and learning impacted many young students as she organized amazing field trip opportunities to expand the classroom for her students.

Julie had a special connection to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. In her youth, she and her parents made a summer home there. Julie worked during her college summers at the Ashworth By The Sea Restaurant. This summer home continued to be an important part of her life as she enjoyed many lifelong friendships as well as professional relationships. She served as the Chamber of Commerce Beach manager for the past twenty five years. Her organizational expertise helped in making the Chamber events a success.

Julie was born on March 1, 1941 in Springfield. She is the daughter of the late Earl and Lorette (Couture) Sittard. Julie was an alumna of Our Lady of the Elms College and The American University in Washington, DC, where she earned several advanced degrees in education. Julie is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Thieme and her husband, Roger of Chicopee, and Catherine Leonard and her significant other, Carson Miller of New Hampshire along with two grandchildren Brittany and Draven Beyette. She will be missed greatly by the Sittard and Courture immediate and extended families along with an abundance of loved close friends.

Julie’s funeral will be held on Monday, November 25, 2019 from the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St.in Chicopee Falls at 9 am followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Holy Name of Jesus Church at Assumption Church, 104 Springfield St. in Chicopee at 10 am. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley.

Calling hours are on Sunday from 3 to 6 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Springfield, MA 01104.