Julia Wilhelm McWilliams

Julia Wilhelm McWilliams, lovingly known as “Jugie,” passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at the age of 83 surrounded by family and loved ones. Born March 25, 1943, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania she was the beloved daughter of the late Julian Robert and Laura Moulton (Nee Elmer) Wilhelm.

Jugie is survived by her devoted partner of more than 30 years, William Sharkness; her sons Zachary Potter McWilliams (Maggie) and Joshua Weir McWilliams (Shauna); her cherished grandchildren, Lucille, Ian, Ryan, Katherine, Caroline, and Finn; sisters, Christina, Margo, and June.

She graduated from The Agnes Irwin School in 1961, made her debut at the Merion Cricket Club the same year, and graduated from Garland Junior College in 1963. She lived and raised her family at "Aylmer Hall," in Radnor, Pennsylvania, a unique house filled with history and personality, built by her grandfather, Dr. Robert P. Elmer in the 1920's. The house, much like Jugie herself, was full of charm, stories, and artistic flare. Summers were often spent at "Innisfree," the family’s treasured waterfront summer cottage in Branford, Connecticut where lasting memories were made by the shore.

Jugie inherited not only her father's first name and auburn hair, but her Mother “Lolly’s” artistic talent. A lifelong artist, she exhibited her prolific works of still life watercolor paintings in Art shows throughout the Main Line. Her paintings represented how she saw life; joyful, with beauty, and full of vibrant colors.

She worked at CertainTeed Corporation for more than 20 years, where she met her partner in life and adventure, Bill Sharkness. Together they shared a love of ballet, classical music concerts at the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, traveling, summers at Innisfree, and attending the grandchildren’s sports games and concerts. They visited many of America’s National Parks each year, and always somehow ended up back in Jackson Hole Wyoming, their favorite destination to visit.

Jugie never missed an opportunity to celebrate. Birthdays, especially, were her favorite. She always showed up with presents, dressed in colorful outfits, and debuting a new piece of jewelry. She had a gift for making people feel special, welcomed, and entertained all at once. She was generous to a fault, endlessly social, always ready for fun, and up for any adventure. Above all, Jugie truly loved life and the people in it. She brought warmth, laughter, beauty, and energy wherever she went, and those fortunate enough to know her are better for it.

May her spirit reconnect with her departed family & friends, may she find peace and love, and may she find a colorful sunset to always enjoy.

A private memorial service will be held this spring, and a reception for all will be held on September 17, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Wayne Art Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Julia McWilliams Watercolor Scholarship Fund at the Wayne Art Center. https://wayneart.org/support-wac/support/gifts-of-tribute/