Peer specialist known for her advocacy and generosity

Published in the February 23, 2017 edition

OBIT_Julia-Ciampa-webJulia G. (Healey) Ciampa – 34, of Wakefield, formerly of North Reading, died unexpectedly on Monday, February 13, 2017.

Born in Cambridge on February 22, 1982. Julia was raised in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School. She was certified as a Peer Specialist by the Transformation Center and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She was a resident of Wakefield for the past ten years and a member of Horizon House.

Julia had an endless love for her family. She was a woman who was exceptionally kind and understanding. She was passionate about things she found interesting such as raising awareness for different advocacy groups and speaking at the State House. She was courageous in living her fullest life. Julia was the life of the party with an incredible sense of humor and wit. She was incredibly thoughtful, never forgetting a birthday or special occasion. She knew what she liked and had a sense of style truly her own.

She loved the holidays, especially Christmas and was so generous with everyone; always looking for the perfect gift for others. She wasn’t religious in the traditional sense, but over her life, had developed a special connection and trust in God. Julia’s family will forever love and cherish her as she made all of our lives so bright.

Family members include her loving mother, Julia C. (Wahlefield) Brachanow of North Reading; sisters, Casey (Melvin) McGah and her husband Sean of Lynnfield and Nathania Brachanow of North Reading; her brother, Frankie Brachanow of North Reading; niece, Addison McGah, nephew, Henry McGah; grandparents, Catherine Cataldo of Arlington, William and Dee Wahlefield of Revere; aunts and uncles Charlotte and Sean Keefe of China, ME, Linda and Ariel Angurano of Northport, AL, Joanne Torres of Wilmington, William Wahlefield of China, ME, cousins, Parris, Lindsey, Denise, Debbie, Joanna, Gabby, Liam, Catherine, Charlotte, Tonya and Kiyanna; and her Auntie Shell.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Horizon House, 78 Water Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.