Julie A. Arza (DeFiore), died peacefully, March 10, 2025 with her family by her side.
Julie was born April 19, 1964, the daughter of Louis Robert and Carol Ann (Byrne) DeFiore. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis. It was there that she made her lifelong incredible friends, Michelle McCool, Teresa Step and Lori Setchell, friends that remained by her side until the end. On May 27, 1989 she married Jorge Arza. Julie and Jorge met on a Search Retreat while in college and faith and family were together their core values. Julie worked at Woodward Direct in advertising and later at AIAA International Adoption Agency. On April 8, 2002 Julie and Jorge welcomed twins, Bennett and Olivia, nothing made their love more complete than becoming parents. A role they both embraced and cherished every second of being parents. Julie was currently employed at DeFiore Funeral Home for the last 15 years, where she was an important part of making the funeral home the place it is today. Julie was a member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church, a graduate of Leadership Great McHenry County and St. Monica’s Guild. Julie was kind, wise and always put others first. She was a bright light, and her smile could brighten any room. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Jorge Arza, her children, Bennett and Olivia Arza, by her mother, Carol Ann DeFiore, by her siblings, Bob (Sharon) DeFiore, Mari Kaiser and Carol Lynn DeFiore. She was the proud and loving aunt to Jessica, Samantha, Nicholas(Andrea), Megan(Tony), Alex (Natalie),Marisa, Vince, Ryan, Marivi, Joey, and Johnny. Julie was also survived by Jorge’s siblings, Rene (Rhonda) Arza, Maria Arza, Ana (Denny) McCoy, and Randy (Ann) Arza, and by her two aunts, Marlene Slyvester and Sr. Carol DeFiore.
Julie was preceded in death by her father Robert DeFiore, her brother, John DeFiore, her nephew, Kyle McCoy, mother and father-in-law, Randolpho R. and Ana L. Arza and by brother-in-law, John Howell.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home -10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 451 W.Terra Cotta Ave., in Crystal Lake, IL. The burial will be at Crystal Lake Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Main Stay Therapeutic Farm www.mainstayfarm.org
Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed.
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A light has left this world but will shine on us forever. I have the fondest memories of Julie, my favorite riding north on Lake Shore Drive on a Sunday afternoon in spring with Beethoven playing on the radio and Carol in the back seat. She was always a beam of sunshine. My true condolences to all of you.
We are so sorry for the loss of our precious friend, Julie. She was truly a special person, full of grace and warmth. Her kindness touched everyone she met, and her memory will forever be cherished. May you find solace in the words of Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Our heart is with you all during this heartbreaking time, and we pray that you feel the peace and love that Julie shared with all of us. Warmly, The Ellinger Family
Julie always had a smile and a kind word for anyone she met. She truly made the world a better place! 💕
I am so sorry for your loss, I will miss her smile and laughter, Apple picking when we were kids. Family gatherings, But I know we will meet again in Heaven. Hug and Prayers for all of you . Love from the Mike and Sally Terry
Jorge, and the entire Arza family. I am sorry for your loss. Julie was a special woman who was part of a special family. May the happy memories you have shared during her life, bring you joy and help you through the difficult days. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael and Sammie Lancia.
My deepest condolences to the Arza family. I am so sorry for your loss.
The words, thoughts and memories written to honor Julies life, loves and focus on helping so many say everything about her heart and spirit. God bless Julie's great spirit and her families.
Dear Jorge, Olivia and Bennett We are so very sorry for your loss. You all have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Berte and Pete
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Her smile will always be remembered.❤️
So sorry for your loss, you have our deepest sorrows and condolences!! Roberto, Vicki and family..
One of a lovely family! You will be missed Carole. My condolences to your family.
I am so deeply sorry Carol. May God bless your child and bless you in your loss.
So sorry to hear about your sister, Julie’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy.
We send our most heartfelt condolences to the DeFiore and Arza families. Julie was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed! Love to you all.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Julie's family and friends. Her mom has always been Aunt Carol to me as she has had a long and loving friendship with my Mom, Lu. I are so sorry Julie left us too early. She was a good friend to my younger sisters.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. My deepest condolences go out to you. Sending prayers to you all at this difficult time.
Julie could turn the world on with her laugh and smile. Our hearts were always uplifted in her company. She truly was a light in this world. I know Julie would want us to reflect that light back into the world. She lives on in our hearts.