Julia Hynes Seper

Julia Hynes Seper, who emigrated from Ireland and became the beloved matriarch of an American family that grew across generations, died at the age of 90 on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Julia was born on November 19, 1935, in County Galway, Ireland, the daughter of Patrick and Margaret Hynes.

She arrived in Washington state and earned her U.S. citizenship in September 1970. She soon moved to Illinois, graduated from Loyola University in Chicago, and enjoyed a long career as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, several suburban districts, and later at Dixon Correctional Center.

She was united in marriage with Frank Henry Seper in November 1971. Frank preceded her in death in 2009.

A woman of deep faith, Julia was most recently a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron, Illinois.

She is survived by her two sons, Chris (Leah) Seper and John (Natalie) Seper; five grandsons, Colin, Christopher, Connor, Ian, and Kevin; and one brother, Martin (Alice) Hynes of Ireland.

Julia was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Frank; and her siblings Thomas, Matt, Mary, Hanorah, John, Margaret, Gus, Catherine, Nora, and Anne.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, with a funeral service beginning at noon. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Seper Family and sent to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com