Julia Ann "Sis" Garrett

Julia Ann “Sis” Garrett passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 holding the hand of her loving husband after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was 71 years old.

Born July 5th, 1954 in Johnstown Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Norman McCachren, and Sarah Marie McCachren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Eric Matthew Garrett, and a brother, Samuel McCachren.

Julia leaves behind two sons, Ty M. Garrett, Clifford W. Garrett and his fiancé, Stephanie. A brother, James (Louise) McCachren, a sister Lisa (Don) Charney, brother, Clifford McCachren, Jr., brother Mike (Garlene) McCachren, a sister Judy (Pat) Falduto, brother Patrick McCachren, and brother Paul (Joyce) McCachren, a fur grandchild, Dutch, and her loving husband of 52 years, Donald E. Garrett who never left each other’s side, her best friend, Sue Mitchell, and the light of her life, her grandson Connor Laird McCachren Garrett.

Julia was a strong woman.  To match her strength was an even stronger, bigger heart.  Julia had a reputation to help anyone in their time of need, and always made sure her family were taken care of and happy.  She was employed at Genesis Healthcare for over two decades.  To Julia, her time working with the elderly was never a job.  Julia came to know not only every resident name, but made them feel like family again.  Even the ones who had no family left.  When the holidays came around, from Valentine’s Day to Thanksgiving to Christmas, every resident received something from Julia, whether it be a card, favorite dessert, or just a tiny ornament to make them feel happy and important.  She had enough love in her heart for countless elderly people that have come and gone, to children in need as well as her own loving family.  Upon retiring from being a caretaker, Julia did experience a brief moment of what to do next, but her love of caretaking merely shifted when her precious grandson was born and gave Connor the best 5 years she possibly could, making every milestone from birthdays to Christmas spectacular for him, even to just hanging around the house and dancing to oldies with him in the living room, which they both loved to do.

Julia did not want a traditional funeral service.  A service for her family and a few friends will be announced at a later date, and will remain private.

Memorial contributions can be made in Julia’s name in the charities such as St. Judes Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, or any contributions that benefit the elderly.  Those charities were important to Julia.

The family of Julia would like to thank the Doctors that provided Julia’s care and did their best to make her comfortable and happy, the VNA Hospice for keeping her comfortable, her daughter-in-law Stephanie Kopyta who was there for her every step of the way from doctors appointments, to just providing good company.  Her best friend, Sue Mitchell, who took her out to have fun, the car rides through the mountains that she enjoyed, and just being two kindred spirits who shared the same values, and developed a sisterly bond.  Her sister-in-law, Louise McCachren, provided Julia with phone calls, recalling old memories, and providing Julia the care that she needed in her final moments.  Julia was truly one of a kind.  As her son writing this tribute, I had a wonderful loving mother and I am very lucky and grateful to have had her for 40 years.  My mother was weathered many storms, and even through cancer, she never complained, and always smiled.  I have never been more proud of her.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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