Julie (Gilbert) Greeman

Julie Greeman

18/8/40-01/15/25

The world lost a bright light on January 15, 2025, with the passing of Julie Gilbert Greeman, 84, of Durham, CT. She is survived by her daughter Jenny Rebecca Greeman, son-in-law Tim Rankin, former husband Richard Greeman, nephews and nieces David, Dan, Paulene, Rachel, Ben, June, and Sam Greeman, sister Bari Gilbert, and her wonderful community of friends and colleagues.

Julie was born on August 18, 1940, to Mira (Eppelbaum) Gilbert of Odessa and E. Alias Gilbert of Philadelphia. She lived her first 10 years on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and then moved with her family to Leonia, New Jersey. Starting in 1946, the Gilberts spent every summer in Ocean Beach, Fire Island where, according to one of her favorite stories, she helped Marilyn Monroe solve a crossword puzzle.

Julie was a natural performer and had starring roles in her high school’s productions of “Trial by Jury” and “Finnian’s Rainbow”. She never lost her love of music. She was famous for playing guitar and piano for her students, knew the lyrics to every song written between 1925 and 1980, and was a proud CRHS Show Choir Mom.

Julie was a lifelong advocate for justice. She was active in the anti-war movement and the Congress of Racial Equality, and always stood up for what she felt was right. Whether it was protecting a child, organizing for workers’ rights, or marching for Women’s Equality, Julie never hesitated to call out injustice and hypocrisy.

“Mrs. Greeman” taught kindergarten for over 40 years and left an indelible mark at Vivian McRae Wesley Elementary School where she started in 1972. Julie was an innovative educator bringing therapeutic practices into the classroom, filling her room with music, making space for feelings, and always setting clear, immovable boundaries. She was beloved by generations of Middletown’s children, and she loved them in turn. Julie was a generous colleague and early adapter of tech – we were the first household to have HBO, then a VCR, then a camcorder, then a Mac. As the oldest teacher on staff, she became the go to “IT Guy” at Wesley.

And she did all this while being unbelievably fun. And funny. And a great giver of advice. And warm. And fashionable. And kind. And honest. And mindboggling beautiful. And an incredible mother. Julie was someone who opened her home and heart to her daughter’s friends. Someone who’d make a round-trip to New York City for good Chinese food. Someone whom we will continue to love and celebrate.

A Memorial for Julie will take place on Sunday, February 2nd 1:00pm-3:00pm at Doolittle Funeral Service, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Julie’s name to the Southern Poverty Law Center or the charity of your choice.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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