With the love of her husband, children and stepchildren around her, Julie Fraser’s spirit peacefully passed from her body into the soft pitter patter of evening rain on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016.

Julie was born and raised in Barrington, Rhode Island. After graduating from high school, her adventurous spirit took her throughout the U.S., eventually landing on Orcas Island. It was on Orcas that she met her husband of 25 years, Cy. They united their families in a special Madrona Point wedding ceremony in 1991. Together they fed and nurtured the souls of thousands of islanders and visitors alike through their restaurant, Bilbo’s Festivo, and its reincarnation, Chiladas. If you ate even once at Bilbo’s or Chiladas, you undoubtedly encountered her bright, sincere smile and cheerful yet determined energy.

Celebration was an integral part of Julie. Not only did she celebrate each day of her life with gusto, she brought love and joy to many others. She was an adoring mother and grandmother, the Birthday Mama, cake-baker extraordinaire, lover of making things twinkle and creator of fun. She crafted unique and original wedding ceremonies and joined many couples in marriage, allowing her to celebrate her favorite part of life: LOVE.

And so, it is with love that Julie’s family invites you to join in a celebration of her vibrant life on Dec. 10, 2016 at the Helsells’ barn (look for signs at Lime Quarry Road on the way to Deer Harbor). Please come at 1 p.m. to share stories, break bread and dance in her memory.