GLOUCESTER: Julie-Lynn Sossamon, 63, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at her home, following a fifteen year battle with MS.
Born in Rochester, New York on November 26, 1949, she was the daughter of Shirley Keech and Almo Sossamon of Arkansas. She was a graduate of the Roth High School class of 1968 in Rochester.
Although she lived many places including, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida, her heart always remained in Gloucester.
Before being diagnosed with MS in 2001, she had a passion for gardening and cooking. She also enjoyed listening to Michael Bolten, Celine Dion, Amy Grant and Meatloaf.
More recently, she was involved in the PACE Program and activities there. She also enjoyed spending time at home with friends drinking coffee and watching movies. An avid collector, she surrounded herself with Native American pieces, angels, elephants and dragonflies.
A caring and giving person, she would never hesitate to lend a hand in any way she could. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren, who she loved to brag about. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by five children, Corey, husband of Sherrie Miller, Lara, wife of Joseph Billante, Lindsay Dort, and her former husband, Michael Dort, Melissa Lauer, wife of Angel Padilla and Amy Lauer; eighteen grandchildren, Corey Jacob, McKenna, Kaitlin, Ella and Sean Miller, Joseph, Aurora, Zariah, Matina and Daunika Billante, Taylor Miller, Zaila, Aleena and Caliana Dort, Isabelle, Gabrielle and Evan Padilla and Cameron Bernard; two sisters, Carol and Sarah; her longtime friend, Dick Doucette; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday at the St. Peter’s Club from 3 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the family.