Julie A. Brightsen

Julie A. Brightsen, 87, of Woodgate, NY, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Julie was born on August 6, 1939, in Greene, NY, a daughter of the late Floyd and Ruth (Ticknor) Huntley. She was a graduate of the Whitney Point High School Class of 1957. Julie was predeceased by her sister, Lamoine Manwaring; her brother, David Huntley; and her in-laws, Charles and Ingrid Brightsen.

Julie was a loving wife, devoted mother, caring grandmother, and a woman whose greatest gift was giving whatever she had to others. Her generous heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 68 years, Lawrence “Larry” Brightsen; her children, Diane Pendell and her husband, Joe; Barbara Knapp and her husband, Pat; and Thomas Brightsen and his wife, Wendy; as well as five grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Julie treasured her family above all else and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. She was a woman of many talents and found joy in quilting, sewing, and knitting. She retired as a bank teller after many years of proudly serving the Whitney Point community.

Julie was a woman who believed that age should never stand in the way of accomplishing a goal. When she set her mind to something, she was determined to make it happen. Throughout her life, she set goals for herself and proudly checked them off, including walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and, at the age of 77, hiking Bald Mountain. Her adventurous spirit and determination were an inspiration to those around her.

She and Larry shared many happy adventures snowmobiling & kayaking throughout the Adirondacks and 4-wheeling on Tug Hill. Julie especially enjoyed their rides to the “end of the road” with family, knowing that those simple drives would almost always turn into an adventure. She also treasured evenings around the campfire with family and friends, where memories were made and stories were shared.

Julie had a fun-loving spirit and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She proudly rooted for the Dallas Cowboys and was an avid New York Yankees fan. She especially enjoyed her getaways to New York City with her daughters and the many bus trips to Atlantic City. Julie’s life was defined by her love for her family, her generosity towards others, and her determination to make the most of every day. She gave freely of herself and always found a way to make those around her feel cared for. Her adventurous spirit, sense of humor, and love of life will live on through the many wonderful memories she leaves behind.

Above all, Julie loved her family deeply. The time she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was among her greatest joys. Her family will forever carry with them the lessons she taught through the way she lived: to love generously, embrace every adventure, and never let age stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Thursday, October 29th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at the Whitney Point American Legion Post 947, 7318 119th St, Whitney Point, NY. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie's name to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 232 Academy Street, Boonville, NY 13309 to support specialactivities in the Solarium.