DECEASED ALUM:  JULIE HILDEBRAND RAKES, FHHS CLASS OF '72

Julie Hildebrand Rakes passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19, 2022 with her loving husband, Tom, by her side. Julie was born on January 19, 1954 in Dayton, Ohio at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Her family then moved to her childhood home in Alexandria, VA where she graduated from Fort Hunt High School. Julie went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where she met her future husband, Tom Rakes.

After graduating, they were married in Mount Vernon, VA on November 12, 1977, where they settled and raised their three daughters. Julie loved spending time at the family's beach houses in Ocean City, MD and Hilton Head, SC. She especially enjoyed vacations in the Caribbean Islands with Tom and their friends. She was an accomplished golfer at the Mount Vernon Country Club, and as an active and dedicated member for 34 years she formed numerous lifelong friendships there.

Julie was a fabulous cook, and she loved to read and do crossword puzzles. Most importantly, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherishing her time with her young grandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by her mother Shirley B. Hildebrand, father Edward J. Hildebrand Jr. "Jack," and her brothers Jackie and Andy Hildebrand.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 45 years, William Thomas Rakes; her daughters Kathryn (Ethen) Adams, Elizabeth (John) Haberbeck, and Whitney Rakes; her grandchildren Julian and Jackson Adams and Thomas Haberbeck; her sister-in-law Christine Hildebrand; and her niece and nephew, Lincoln and Andrew Hildebrand. Julie lived life with elegance and grace, and she was courageous until the end. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. A celebration of Julie's life will be held at Mount Vernon Country Club on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Published by The Washington Post from Sep. 21 to Sep. 25, 2022.

Addendum: 

Our friend, Julie Hildebrand Rakes passed away 9/19/22, we have heard from several sources.

Julie was battling breast cancer for a long time and sadly lost her battle.

Julie was a favorite of all of her classmates in the Class of '72 and had plans to attend this year's reunion. 

- Joe Gililland, FHHS '73