1942 – 2015

LEWISTON — Julia Anne Malia, 72, of Ridge Road, Peru, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, at Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Reardan, Wash., on July 17, 1942, a daughter of Ernest and Jessie (Middlemist) Clayton.

Julia attended schools in Reardan, Wash., and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. She later graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maine at Farmington. She married John Malia in Portland on May 25, 1963, and they have celebrated 52 years together.

Julia worked for a time at Rumford Hospital and later was a partner with her husband in a small biological company.

Julie loved gardening, photography, reading and cooking, and was an expert at identifying the wildflowers of New England.

Surviving are her husband, John M. Malia of Peru; two children, Janet A. Descoteaux and husband, David, of Rumford, and Patrick H. Malia of Rumford; a sister, Shirley Anyan and husband, Glen, of Spokane, Wash.; a brother, James Clayton and wife, Barbara, of Spokane, Wash.; two grandchildren, Danielle Descoteaux and John Descoteaux; sister-in-law, Carol Malia; brother-in-law, Chicky Kirk; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Donald Clayton; and sister-in-law, Shirley Kirk.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.