Julie Marotto, 58, Vero Beach
Julie Marotto, 58, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Julie was born, Julia Ann Johnson on Nov. 7, 1961, in Yardley, Birmingham in England to Jean Lamb and Philip Johnstone.
Julie grew up in Birmingham, England and attended Cockshut Hill Comprehensive School in Birmingham, then she attended Birmingham City University which she majored in Culinary arts. In 1982 Julie and her family had the opportunity to emigrate to the United States.
After moving to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1982 she married her first husband who she had two children with, DeAnna Weppler and Jason Weppler.
Julie always had a passion for professionalism and with that she sought out a career in banking where she spent several years working her way up to bank manager. During this time Julie met her current husband Dave Marotto, and they have been happily married for over 21 years. After working for several years in the banking industry she left banking to pursue her passion for animals. There was no animal big or small that she did not love, and she had a strong passion for the conservation of all wild animals. In the process Julie also discovered a love for breeding Sphynx cats. She started a small business with her husband and loved every single little kitten but hated them leaving her home. Her true joy was to see her kittens grow up in new loving homes. Julie was extremely talented, and she was also a part of the Secret Shopper Network for over 15 years. Her reviews of restaurants over the years were usually spot on, and so many people appreciated her honesty.
Julie is survived by her husband of 21 years, David Marotto. Along with her daughter and son-in law DeAnna & Michael Leavenworth, and her son Jason Weppler, her stepdaughters, Gina Gadrim & husband Richard Gadrim, Jamie Marotto, and Jessica Marotto, as well as her grandchildren, Ava Leclair, Ethan Leclair, Willow Brown, Jaxon McCormick and Violet Robinson. She is additionally survived by her stepfather James Lamb, along with her three siblings, Paul Johnstone & wife Beverly Johnstone, Louise Purrone & husband Scott Purrone, and Tina Johnstone & husband Charles Jambrosic as well as several nieces and nephews.
Julie was preceded in death by her father, Phillip E. Johnstone and her mother, Jean H. Lamb.
No formal services will be scheduled, due to many extenuating circumstances including the global Covid pandemic; however, it was Julie’s wish to have a Celebration of Life, which will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in her honor, please send a donation to the Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL; Please make the check or money order payable to Big Cat Rescue and mail to 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625. You may also make donations online via: https://big-cat-rescue.myshopify.com/products/donation-in-honor-of-someone-downloadable-acknowledgment