With sadness we share the news of the death of Juli Shea Towell, 91, on August 1, 2025.
Deeply committed to service, Juli was an active volunteer throughout her life. In the diocese, she served on Constitution & Canons (Class of 1989), the Standing Committee (Class of 1991), the Commission on Ministry (Class of 1995), the Cathedral Chapter (Class of 2004), and was a founding member of Apostles’ House, Interweave, The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, and All The Way Up. In The Episcopal Church, she was a founding member of the Episcopal Parish Network, and was a board member of General Theological Seminary in NYC. Her work also included years of active involvement with Christ Church, Short Hills. Read her full obituary.
Juli was predeceased by her devoted husband of 64 years, S. Gilmer Towell. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Towell Smith and husband Christopher VB Smith; son Geoffrey Gilmer Towell and wife Elizabeth C. Towell; grandchildren Alissa A. Smith-Comstock, Nicholas VB Smith, Elizabeth Smith Madison, Devon Towell Fish and Sydney E. Towell; four great-grandchildren; and her brother George E. Shea III and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11 AM at Christ Church, Short Hills.
Condolences may be sent to the family care of Christ Church, 66 Highland Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church, Short Hills and to the Winchester Gardens Resident Association Scholarship Fund for staff members, in Maplewood, NJ.
Father of all, we pray to you for Juli, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
