Julie Penfold (30 Nov 1963 - 12 Mar 2025)

In loving memory of Julie Penfold who sadly passed away on 12th March 2025

Julie was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on 30th November 1963 to parents Roy and Iris Hardaker and was baby sister to her three older siblings, Anita, Neil and Andy.

When Julie was only two, the family moved to Welling, Kent. Here she attended school. Julie was ten, when the family moved again, to Sidcup, also in Kent. Julie attended Sidcup Secondary School for Girls, and eventually travelled to Lewisham to study Hotel Reception at South East London Technical College.

On leaving education, Julie entered the world of work. She had a strong work ethic, working hard to achieve her goals and aspirations. Julie’s studies gave her the tools for a variety of London based administration roles.

Julie married in 1987. Her first homes were in Sidcup and Sevenoaks, before a job change resulted in a move to Epsom. Julie continued to work until the birth of her first daughter Sophie in 1994, with her second daughter Rebecca arriving in 1997.

Sadly her marriage ended, and with a young family to look after Julie was determined to work to provide them with a good home. She retrained as a Chef, eventually working at Epsom College.

Things were difficult enough, then Julie had a breast cancer diagnosis. Although a hard time, Julie underwent chemotherapy and was able to come through, with the support of Rebecca, close family and friends.

During this time, Julie met Paul in August 2014. They bought a house together in Oxted and married in 2017. A job change resulted in a further house move, to Calne in Wiltshire and, for Julie, another career change. Her love of people and her chatty nature made her ideally suited to her chosen route into the caring sector, with roles working at various residential homes and out in the community eventually finding her spot at Flowers Manor.

Julie’s life was not without challenges, first unexpectedly losing her parents and brother Neil, then in 2017 tragically losing Sophie. Strong and determined as she always was, Julie showed the strength and fortitude to continue living life with dignity and care for others whilst living with her own grief. Not a minute passed when she was not thinking of those lost or apart.

Late last year Julie felt unwell. Eventually she had a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Julie understood the implications and the challenges of her treatment; this would be a long road to recovery. She was upbeat and determined to beat the cancer and still looking out for others amidst this serious illness. Sadly, Julie contracted pneumonia and lost her fight for life on 12th March 2025.

Julie touched many lives, always ready with a smile or a laugh. Her love of life, work ethic and resilience are an example to us all. She is sadly missed, forever in our hearts.