She meant everything to us Nobody else held me so tight Or made me feel so right No one's eyes shined so bright with love As my mom, who is now high above. - Tamsen Butler Juliana M. Martis, of Cincinnati, known as "Julie" to all and "Jillybai" to family. Loving mother of Dinu, Prithy, Vinod, Laura and Jim. Cherished grandmother of Molly and Johnny, Marissa, Will, Michael and Joseph. Devoted sister of 10 loving siblings. She was peacefully called to heaven on May 17, 2021 at Christ Hospital at the age of 84. Her family is comforted knowing she now has her wings and is walking with angels. Her family was blessed to have been by her side. Julie was born February 11, 1937 in Balkunje, Mangalore, India, a daughter of Ignatius and Catherine D'Souza. She was enterprising and courageous when leaving her family to first go to work in Bombay in colonial India and then immigrating to Kuwait with her late husband Henry Martis whom she had married in 1962. She experienced incredible changes in her world. In her own words, "When I first moved away from home, I was also 18 years old, moving from the small village of Balkunje to the big city in Bombay. I remember how excited I was to be independent and have my whole future in front of me." While she had a busy career in Kuwait and the US, Julie was first and foremost a dedicated mother, wife and sibling to 10 brothers and sisters. Together with her husband she worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for her family. Julie entertained (and scared) her children and grandchildren by telling them stories of how she walked many kilometers to school braving tigers, snakes (and occasionally a mongoose or two). She had a parable for every occasion, rooted in faith, to explain how life should be lived and enjoyed. An excellent cook, she fed everyone who came to her home her favorite Mangalorean dishes making sure no one left hungry. Her grandchildren remember her fondly for the Mangalorean treats she would make for them. She loved being surrounded by family and going to the casinos with her sister and brother. Julie took great joy in visiting some of Christianity's most holy places such as Jerusalem, Rome, Fatima, and Lourdes. Often she could be found making rosaries with her sister, Amy, for missionary groups all around the world. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ." Julie was determined, there was nothing that she could not master, including how to send text messages on her phone to her grandchildren every week. In her written words, to her granddaughter, "As I have lived my life, I have learned to be true to myself, to embrace new and exciting opportunities, to explore and learn all that life has to offer." "Mom, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there for us, for teaching us, listening to us, helping and forgiving us, loving us, and always paving the way. We will work hard to reach the standard you set. You will live in our hearts and minds forever." There are no calling hours. Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 24 at St. Columban Catholic Church, 894 Oakland Road, Loveland OH 45140. Interment Crown Hill Memorial Park In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, please click here to donate online.