Julie Renee (Peterseim) Dale

Julie Renee (Peterseim) Dale, age 65, was born in Erie, PA on March 2, 1958 to Betty Jane Weimer Peterseim (Dale) and Paul Martin Peterseim.

As Julie was diagnosed with intellectual disabilities at an early age, she was enrolled in special education programs, statewide, including the Barber National Institute (BNI) in Erie, graduating in 1978. 

Julie was the most happy-go-lucky, care-free child who loved nothing more than to explore and play with her siblings and all the family pets. Horses were a huge love from an early age. Her ability to love deeply carried on throughout her life. You can bet she still believed in Santa Claus as you could see the sheer magic of the season through her eyes. Her incredible memory for details and her keen sense of hearing were still so sharp even until her final moments.

She was a free-spirited individual and could make you giggle, without even trying. She loved to knit dishcloths, create latch-hook rugs, work with ceramics, as well as dance and color. She also loved taking care of her favorite “roommate,” her Betta fish, Blue Boy. 

She participated eagerly with the Erie Special Olympics. She loved camping and traveling to places like the Rose Bowl to watch her brother Mickey play with OSU, Washington, DC, NYC, Disney, Las Vegas, and to weddings where she would unapologetically get in front of anyone in order to catch the bouquet. She played Bingo with intense fervor and enjoyed going to the casino. She giggled at the Golden Girls and Barney Fife, and had deep crushes on the cowboys on her favorite western TV shows. 

Julie is predeceased by her parents, brother Marty Dale, sister-in-law Diana Andromalos-Dale, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many dear cousins. She is survived by her sister Barbara Doud Blount (Harry), and children Sharon Doud Unsworth (Quentin), Jimmy Doud (Ashley), Jeffrey Doud (Esther), and Jenna Doud Burkett (Chad); brothers, Michael Andromalos-Dale and children Michael Andromalos-Dale and Victoria Blakemore (Frank), and Scott Peterseim (Mary Beth) and children Allyson, Tyler, and Erin; a sister-in-law Marybeth Dale and children Bethany Dale (Matt) and Paul “PJ” Dale (Madeline); and her previous brother-in-law Jim Doud; and many great-nieces and nephews she always boasted about. Harry’s family was so very special to her and the love and times spent together was indeed a blessing. 

Julie passed away February 20, 2024 after a valiant fight with cancer, surrounded by loving family, at Valley Manor in Coopersburg, PA. She was welcomed into her heavenly home, finally meeting her Dad, who had passed away before her birth.

Julie’s family would like to thank her caregivers from BNI, Ruthann Luhman, group home friends in Breinigsville, PA, the staff, caregivers and friends at Valley Manor who dearly loved and protected our sweet Julie, and Suncrest Hospice who helped comfort Julie with soft prayers, music, and massage therapy.

Julie absolutely loved celebrations. We will celebrate her life on her birthday with her signature fist bumps and share funny stories at William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 S. Lake St., North East, PA on March 2, 2024 from 10am till noon. Patti Orton Kuna will officiate a funeral service immediately following. Interment will be at the North East Cemetery in North East, PA. 

Our precious Jewels, you’ve always been your happiest doing things your way. Although it’s not easy to say goodbye, we know you will never walk alone.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Erie Hope on Horseback Therapeutic Riding Center, the Barber National Institute, or to an animal rescue center of your choice in memory of Julie. 

Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julie Renee (Peterseim) Dale, please visit our floral store.