In Loving Memory of…Julia Cavada Lupascu Sunrise…05/08/1944 Sunset…07/22/2024
Julia was born on May 8, 1944 in Catmon City,Cebu, Philippines. She was born to Jesus Cerilles Cavada, Sr. & Antipas Sususco Cavada. With the passing of her mother at a young age, and subsequent marriage of her widowed father to Felicidad Orlanes Cavada, she became part of a “Yours + Mine=Ours'' blended family woven together by choice, strengthened by love, tested by everything, and uniquely Cavada totalling 12 siblings. (Exuperio,Sincletica,Ursicina, Salustia, Rhodora, Jesus, Jr., Cecilio,Fe Telesforo, Corazon, Virginia, and Virgil)
She attended Cebu Normal College, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Education and became an elementary school teacher in Cantabaco,Toledo City, Cebu, PH.
California was her next destination, immigrating to the United States to marry her longtime penpal, Woodrow Norwoods. It was in sunny California where she joyfully reunited with her sister, Fe Musgrave. Next on her horizon was Chicago, Illinois. It was here in the Chicagoland area where she lived the remainder of her life. She began her treasured family- son, Joel, and daughter, Jenna Norwoods. She later married Cristinel Lupascu though eventually the marriage dissolved.
Early years were spent living with her brother, Jesus Cavada Jr. (Jess) & Sister-in-law Precy in their Mayfield Avenue home. Many fond memories were created as the next generation of ‘Cavada’ cousins were raised. Her son, Joel, and nieces, Lida, Jennifer, and Honey Beth grew up together. For a time they were honored to have their grandparents with them (Jesus Cavada, Sr. & Felicidad O. Cavada). Soon thereafter, the family of her brother, Cecilio & wife, Eva, joined her in Northwest Chicago. The Cavada Cousins grew with the addition of Clyde, Clint, Cheryll, and Cecil. Later, Jenna completed the crew as the baby of the bunch in 1985.
Careerwise, Julia soon found herself in the healthcare field at Norwegian American Hospital in the 1970s and 80s. She wore many hats as a CNA, OB Tech, and Unit Secretary. She created many long-lasting friendships while there. A new home was found in the heart of the Humboldt Park area. Carlota, her co-worker, became her close friend and Julia’s upstairs apartment neighbor. Collectively the Domantay family and her work family became her second family. But, in fact, Julie was considered family to so many.
Beyond Norwegian Hospital, Julia served as a Social Worker for Boys & Girls Club of America and Aspire for disabled children and adults. She was also a DCFS Caseworker. She returned to her roots as a teacher at Love of Learning preschool and also teaching English/ Spanish classes on weekends. Her later years were spent as a marketer and recruiter for Home Health Physicians' Group.
She was blessed to have four beautiful grandchildren: Geno & Marco (Joel & Regence Norwoods), and Juliana & Julian ( Jenna B. Norwoods & Anthony Lan). She was “Grandma Julie” to her many grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Julia, Tita Julie, Nang Julie, Auntie Julie, Mommy Julie, Grandma Julie, Ma, Lola Julie was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Her smiling eyes, vibrancy, and her undeniable sassiness are not easily forgotten. She was the life of the party! What an ability she had to connect with others with such ease through laughter, dance, truth-telling,or genuine concern. Her wealth was in how she loved people well, even as she tried her best to live life in her own hardship as a single mother. She was not weighed down by the cares of life, but forged ahead with lightness, positivity, and hope. She was a strong woman. For many of us, after many a dance, many meals and laughs, and even many squabbles, she ended our times together with a loving hug, her red-lipstick kiss, and the reminder to pray. She reassured many, saying, “You’re going to be ok.”. It was clear despite it all, that her source of strength came from the Lord, her Creator, her Savior. We give thanks for a life of love that ultimately pointed us to Jesus. We give thanks to our Lord for granting her eternal rest.
Blessed be the Lord; for he heard the words of my plea. The Lord is my helper and my defender; my heart hoped in him, and I am helped. And my flesh flowered again; and out of my will I shall acknowledge him. Psalms 28:6-8