Julia de Figueroa, 93, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on August 19, 2023, from natural causes. Julia was born in Lima, Peru, on December 11, 1929, to Lizarndro and Victoria Barzola. She was one of three children with brothers Savino and Julio.

In secondary school, Julia met Guillermo Alberto Figueroa who later became her husband. They were married on October 7, 1950, in Lima. Together they had two children: Julia and Albert.

As a homemaker, Julia raised her children and accompanied Alberto to his engineering jobs. The couple traveled throughout Peru to these jobs and would end up visiting Machu Picchu multiple times. They enjoyed family parties in Peru and family excursions to the ocean. Julia and Alberto emigrated to the United States in the 1990's to be closer to their children. After her husband's death, Julia would travel across the country to visit her family – from Akron, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, and, most recently, to Virginia Beach, Virginia. She enjoyed traveling by train when her health allowed it. She was an avid walker and would explore the streets of Akron and visit friends when she was able.

A quiet yet memorable presence, Julia was known for always watching family events and interjecting quiet humor when needed. Her facial expressions would transcend languages as the humor or sarcasm shown through. She created nicknames for those around her, from grandchildren to family dogs, and was known as 'Abuelita' to her family. Her knitting skills created many keepsakes and encouraged a few of her granddaughters to take up yarn work. She brought Peruvian recipes to her family and they reveled in sharing those dishes. It was common for Julia to gift clothing or cash to her unsuspecting grandchildren. Her smile was infectious and genuine, a beautiful memory for anyone who met her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, brothers, and parents.

Left to remember her are her children Julia Figueroa of Chicago, Illinois, and Albert (Ellen) Figueroa of Akron, Colorado; grandchildren: Claudia Vegas of Steamwood, Illinois, Gustavo Vegas of Peru, Luis (Angel) Vegas of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Landy Figueroa of Pasadena, California, Mendi Figueroa of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Julia (J.R.) Herman of Windsor, Colorado, Rita Figueroa of Akron, and Darren Figueroa of Bozeman, Montana; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A Rosary service will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Akron, Colorado.