Julie Kay (Bastian) Haddad

Julie Kay

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s learning to Dance in the rain ~Vivian Greene

The world lost a beautiful soul, Julie Kay (Bastian) Haddad, on Friday, February 14, 2025. Julie, 68, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family after fighting a courageous battle with a long term illness.

Julie was born in Freeport, IL, on October 9, 1956, to proud parents Robert Bastian and Helen (Rogers) Bastian (1936-2018). She was the proud older sister of five siblings: Vicki (Greg) Shadle, Eric (Jackie) Bastian, Kurt (Beth) Bastian, and Tina Bastian (Bill Jacobs).

A 1974 graduate of Freeport High School, Julie married Greg Hickcox, and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Emily (Brett) Kundert and Katie (Chad) LeRoy, in Madison, Wisconsin. Later, Julie returned to her hometown of Freeport, where she met the love of her life, Erick Haddad. They were married in 1996 and welcomed their amazing daughter, Elizabeth (Ellie) into their family.

Julie had an infectious smile that lit up every room she entered. Her career was marked by success, spending decades in sales and, in her later years, managing insurance brokerages at Country Financial in Foreston, IL, where her daily interactions with clients often blossomed into lasting friendships. Additionally, she cherished working alongside Erick in his business, Erick Haddad Building, always striving to bring joy and support to the lives she touched. We know she will continue to spread the joy that her smile brought to so many.

Outside of work, Julie embraced life to the fullest. Her passions included caring for her home, garden, and lawn, going for walks, and spending time with loved ones—especially at their cabin up north. Whether watching sunsets and rainstorms from the porch with Erick, enjoying date nights, or dancing with her best friends, Julie thrived on creating beautiful memories. Julie's home was her happy place, always open to friends and family, where hugs, laughter, warm tea, or glasses of wine were offered to all who entered. The holidays were particularly special to her as she shared joyous moments with family, especially her grandchildren: Austin (Michelle McPhail) Hickcox, Summer LeRoy, and great-grandsons Levi McPhail and Tucker Hickcox.

Julie is survived by her loving husband, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, father, siblings, as well as her father and mother-in-law Robert and Crystal Haddad and brother-in-law David (Erin) Haddad. She also adored spending time, giving advice, or lending an ear to her many nieces and nephews, who brought her much joy.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen (Rogers) Bastian.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Robert Waters and his wonderful staff at Waters Center for Biological Medicine, her family physician Dr. Michael Muise, and her amazing nurses Patti, Fawne and Mindy, along with the exceptional staff at SSM Hospice.

Services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in April 2025 in Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie's name to a memorial fund that will be managed by her husband for a cause chosen by the family.

Julie will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.