It is with deep sadness that we announce our dear Julika Daniele Deck passed away peacefully in her sleep at Oceanview’s Legacy Memory Care on December 30th, 2023. Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation for the kind and dedicated staff at Legacy Memory Care who took exceptional care of Julika.
Born during the early years of World War II, in Benedikt Bueren, near Kochel Am See, Bavaria, Germany on May 29th,1941, Julika left this earth at the age of 82 to join her mother, Irene and her sister Alexa, whom she fondly remembered and talked about often.
Julika loved her immediate and extended family and selflessly put family before herself, whether it was continuously keeping the house in order or cooking up a homemade meal from scratch at a moment’s notice for hungry children or sneaking in hot chocolates and Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies before her grandkid’s bedtime. Their dreams were made sweeter by her unwavering love and attention.
Julika is survived by her dedicated, loving husband of 60 years, Dr. Michael Deck, who cared for Julika right to the end. She is also survived by her two sons, Dr. Marcus Deck and Julian Deck, M.Sc. She leaves behind five loving grandchildren, Caitlin, Anna, Nolan, Ambrose and Viveka, and her sisters, Angelika and Connie, who will miss her dearly.
Julika also leaves behind a lifetime of friends from Rye, New York and Jamestown, Rhode Island. She met and positively impacted many through her interests in competitive tennis, paddleball, sailing (although she preferred calmer seas), skiing, international travel with her husband, and her travel agency career.
Julika overcame many daunting obstacles and hardships throughout her life, starting with being born into war in Germany. She moved many times in her life from Bavaria, Germany to Australia, to England, to New York and eventually to Rhode Island. All of these relocations were challenging, but she always took each move in stride and worked selflessly and tirelessly to support her family. Later in life, after retiring in Jamestown, Rhode Island with Michael, she faced a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. For many years she refused to be limited by Alzheimer’s. With her husband’s dedicated support, she employed her fighting spirit to outrun, mask and workaround Alzheimer’s devastating impact until the end.
The Christmas holidays were always one of Julika’s favorite times of the year where we all learned about her German traditions. German carols were always non-negotiable! Julika brought light, hope, peace, joy and love to our family and friends. We know she is now free of the Alzheimer’s disease that eventually impacted her mind and body, yet never dampened her effervescent, generous, courageous, selfless, loving spirit. Her spirit is now free!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
