Julie del Angel's Obituary
Julie del Angel, beloved wife, mother, and friend, died suddenly on January 29, 2017 at her home in Heath, Texas. Julie will be dearly missed by her loving husband Erick; children Michelle and her husband Kevin and their four children, all of San Antonio; daughter Lauren and her husband Kenny, of Costa Rica while serving in the Peace Corps; and son Erick, Jr. of Tyler.; sister Cindy of Dallas; and her extended family, friends, and co-workers. She is predeceased by her mother, June Poynter. Born December 28, 1956 in Oklahoma, Julie grew up in the care of her grandparents in Whitesboro, Texas, where she graduated from high school in 1975. She earned a degree in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University and taught school for a time before attending the University of North Texas for a degree in Interior Design. At the time of her death, Julie was Vice President and Technical Coordinator for HKS Architects. She joined HKS Dallas in 2004 and spent several years in HKS’ Los Angeles office, where she was Technical Director for the west coast. She was highly respected in her field, specializing in large and complex projects. She led the interior design implementation for Exxon headquarters and Erickson headquarters in Dallas, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the Los Angeles Rams Stadium, the Blue Man Theatre in Las Vegas, and several resort hotels in Cancun, Mexico, among many other projects. Julie worked previously at the architectural firms of HOK and Lauckgroup in Dallas, and maintained close relationships with many people from her years there. Professionally, Julie was the ultimate leader. Those who had the opportunity to be mentored by her speak of her great ability to share her knowledge and technical experience without measure. Projects and teams benefited from both her steadfast hand and her ability to understand the conceptual design of a project and communicate the vision for executing that design to others. Hers was a rare gift that benefited clients, architects, and contractors, and her shoes will be hard to fill. Julie credited her grandfather, who owned and operated a fishing resort on Lake Texoma, as the biggest influence in her life. Julie fixed cabins, boats and was a ski instructor at Cedar Mills Resort. She said he was the most honest person she ever met, a lesson she took to heart and became a virtue she cultivated throughout her life. She credited her grandfather with teaching her the many manual and mechanical skills that she used in her career and personal pursuits. Julie and Erick married in May 2002 at St. Bernard’s in Dallas after they met while working together at the Lauckgroup. Both were widowed, and Julie embraced Erick’s family as her own. After their marriage, Julie, who was raised as a Southern Baptist, converted to Catholicism and became immersed in the mysticism of the faith which enriched her life. She joined the women’s guild at St. Bernard’s and made many life lasting friendships with other parishioners. Julie loved family and home, loved to travel, and hoped to someday slow down and paint, create, garden, and travel. A very hands-on person, she was a talented problem solver, ready to explore and execute home and landscape projects with Erick. Julie enjoyed the expression of color in drawing and painting, sculpture, weaving, and quilting. Julie embraced everything in her life fully; her house was meticulously arranged and her garden her ultimate tranquility. Above all, she wanted to be surrounded by family. She grew up in the company of cousins and added to those happy memories with the family she and Erick created together. Julie loved the best of things, and her wonderful laughter and vivacious spirit lit up the room. Optimistic and fun loving, she transferred her happiness to others. Service Information: Thursday 2/2, 6pm: Viewing for friends and family at Restland Funeral Home in Richardson, followed by a 7pm Rosary at the Restland Chapel; Friday, 2/3, 10am: Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Dallas, followed by burial at Restland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to honor Julie’s memory to Catholic Relief Services or Food for the Poor.
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