Julia M. (Jennings) Yurco

Julia Margaret Yurco (Jennings)

Julia Yurco (Jennings), 54, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, the 3rd of March 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Her life was defined by her joyful tenacity, ferocious loyalty to her friends and family, and the love and care of her animals.

A lifelong resident of Auburn and graduate of the class of 1989, Julia could be found wherever there was good rock music. She lovedgoing to live music performances (especially that of her husband). Julia was an avid equestrian like her father John and Cousin LoriAnn. Her two Bengal cats Phoebe and Gus, dogs Roxy and Theo, and horse Shelby held the softest place in her heart, as did nearly any animal that crossed her path.

She is survived by her husband James Yurco, stepdaughter Sophia Yurco (and her children Jamison and Caterina). She is also survived by her mother, Shirley (Beard) Jennings, and siblings: JoAnn Griesenauer, John Jennings, Christine Jennings, Matthew (Amy) Jennings, Sonja Jennings, and Timothy Jennings. She was the loving aunt to: Madeline Jennings, Emily Jennings, Olivia Jennings, Matthew Jennings Jr., Abigail Jennings, and Evelyn Jennings.

Julia was as devoted to her friendships as she was family, including Christine Morse, Julie Anguilo, Brian and Reni Fairman, Penny Davis, Kristen Maushart, Theresa Kline, Kristen Carnicelli, Erin Reed, Lisa Forbes, Carin and Mark Cartwright, Andy Cartwright, KurtDeriziotis, Patrick and Jessica Yurco, John Yurco, Bridget Randall, Steph and Kip Murray, and a very special relationship with Lexi Gabak. All these incredible people stood with Julia in her final moments. This meant the entire world.

She was predeceased by her father, John M. Jennings Sr., her mother-in-law Marie C. Yurco, her cousin LoriAnn Adams (with husband John and daughter Abigail) as well as other aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Now, she rides over the hills with her father and cousin into the waiting arms of the Lord and those since passed. A guide, a friend, a wife a daughter, a sister has blazed the path ahead once more and left our lives fuller than when she found them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue. https://helpinghoundsdogrescue.org/donate/

Calling hours will be held at Pettigrass Funeral Home on Friday, March 13th, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm. Services are Saturday, March 14th at 11:00 am at the funeral home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julia M. (Jennings) Yurco, please visit our floral store.