Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Our hearts are saddened by the peaceful passing of Julie Anne Derksen on August 27, 2025 at the age of 52. Julie was adopted into the Derksen family in 1975. Loved and cared for by her parents, Rudy & Reta Derksen, siblings Bryan (Claudia) Derksen, Heather (Dave) Weber and Paul (Leah Wolk) Derksen. Missed by her special friend Randy Bross. Loved by many friends, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Julie had excellent teachers at the elementary school in Durham and JDSS in Hanover. Her strong will and determination helped her to learn and lead a full life. She enjoyed bicycling, cross country skiing and camping with the family. Music of all kinds was her passion. In her mid 20’s Julie joined the Hanover Community Living Program. There she enjoyed her friends, participating in crafts, karaoke, bowling and swimming. She even learned to become proficient using the ipad!
We are grateful for all the kind staff and managers who supported and cared for Julie over the years. Julie kept us all dancing to her tune and command! We are also thankful to the medical team at Hanover and District Hospital, Dr. Abell and Dr. Hajar, caring nurses and the lab and radiology technicians.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 am where a Funeral Service will commence at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at Hanover Mennonite Church.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be given to the Hanover and District Hospital Foundation. Messages of condolences are welcomed at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
Sending condolences to the Derkson family. We were so sad to hear of Julie's passing. I got to know her through the Community Living Program while I was teaching yoga. Teaching Julie, I learned how difficult it is make the effort to do physical activities. I was humbled by the people who turned up on those Wednesday afternoons and found each of them so willing to show up and participate. I gained a lot of respect for each participant. While it was very difficult for Julie, she arrived, and with a little coaxing made the effort. Her favourite part of the class was our opening dance and the closing when she was eager to receive her weekly back rub. That always put a smile on her face. It was then I became aware of the budding friendship between her and Randy.
Randy, being a poet, has also participated in readings with some of us at the library. At last year's reading, Randy read aloud a beautiful poem, a love poem about Julie. It was greeted with admiration, and enthusiastic applause from all audience members.
I feel very lucky to have met them both, as I feel they have helped me become a more understanding human being in matters of body, heart, and soul. I'm sure Julie would have been loved well by you, her family.
Dianne Joyce & Doug Abell
It's been a long time since we have connected but this news of Julie's passing really was a shock and so sad to hear. Many memories of the girl's earlier years come floating back. Heather has memories too. It is amazing how these ladies keep us focused on the important stuff and keep family in line with their passions.
Julie was lucky to have a life in such a good family. I hope your memories will offer you comfort in time. With Sympathy, Peggy
Randy and Derksen family. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Cherish your memories as you mourn Julie's passing. Our deepest condolences to all of you!
- Anne & Bob DietzDear Rudy, Reta, Bryan, Heather, Paul and families,
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your daughter and sister Julie. We will keep you in our prayers as you mourn her passing and grieve your loss.
Don & Elenor Taves
We just heard about the passing of your daughter. Our condolences to the entire family.
May your memories be your comfort
Carol & David
My sympathy to the Derksen family upon Julie's passing
Marg Neisen
Julie was a little doll who could always put a smile on your face. She was surrounded by special friendships and people who who cared deeply about her. She will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to family & friends
Condolences and hugs to the whole Derksen family. I will always look back fondly of the times spent camping and playing at Julie's house. She was a great friend and fun to be around. ❤️ Joanna
- Joanna Racknor (Martin)Julie was an important person.
I'm sad to hear of her passing and deeply wish I had stayed more connected to her as I got older. Deep regrets for being unable to attend today.
Julie was a vital part of helping form and connect me into a world of mutual relationship and understanding of people with and without intellectual disabilities. It was this friendship and connection that made me seek out l'arche and look for models of care that deeply reflect human care and need for one another. Julie taught me any personal boundaries, having fun and silly while being completely honest and staying true to myself.
I will never forgot our times shared together at Christian Horizons or our getaways to a local hotel and bowling. The image of Julie dancing with her head phones on to Shania Twain and seeing the top of her head appear outside my window at camp fills my heart. Rest easy Julie.
Grace and Peace.
Randy & Family
We are sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult journey.
May you find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories of your time with Julie.
So sorry to hear of Julie's passing. Philip McClinton is in the same house 11th Ave Hanover as Julie. When we went to visit Phil Julie would always watching the Blue Jays. She will be dearly missed!! The McClinton Family.
- McClinton FamilyWe met Julie when she was three. A self-confident curly head girl who loved music and fun. We will remember her special giggle. It was a privilege to be able to spend so much of our lives around her. She much loved all her family who gave her a stable home. To her family, Randy and Community Living family our deep sympathy. - Ernie and Edith
- edith martinOur sincerest condolences to Rudy and Reta and family. Nicole spoke fondly of Julie and she will be missed by many, specifically her Community Living family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
- Amy and Corey HoffarthDear Derksen Family & Randy
We are so sorry for your loss. We know Julie was so loved by you all , and will be truly missed!
Cherish all the happy memories. Rest in peace Julie !
Hugs to all ....
Gerry & Donna Bross
Derksen Family and Randy Bross
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Cherish the many great memories you shared over the years. She will be truly missed by all who knew her. RIP Julie!
Sincere Sympathy Mary-Lou Bross
My sincere condolences to Rudy, Reta and the family.
Julie was one of the students you never forget, a big personality and a force to be reckoned with when she attended JDSS. I admired her courage and determination to have a place of her own in her twenties. I am glad to hear she had a full life and lots of friends. She will be missed by many people.
I will be thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Our condolences to the family on the passing of Julie
- Gary annd Carole RahnSure going to miss her now. I'm still taking this pretty hard. Her and I went to camp when it was Christian Horizons just outside of paisley and I was very happy to see her when I moved into the group home where she was at found out.
- Dawn lakeI'm thinking about your family during this time of loss. Julie was one of a kind and you have my sincere condolences.
- Kaylee PletschSending my heartfelt condolences to Rudy and family. In life there is love and there is loss, but love is always stronger. God bless.
- Gail PletschI am saddened to hear of Julie's passing. Sending my deepest condolences to her dear family. Sincerely, Kathy Kieffer
- Kathy KiefferOur deepest condolences
- John &Ruthann McCLintonour sincere condolences to the Derksen family. Julie was a special child in our JDSS family and we will miss her
Dave and Lorna Eadie Hocking
Sincere condolences to the Derksen family at this difficult time. I am thinking of you.
Betty Duncan
Julie was a special child with lots of loving fun to spare. Her parents were special too. They provided lots of love and every opportunity possible for Julie and no child could want for more. She had a special place in out hearts and we will always remember her. Pat Golem
- Pat GolemLove and Hugs to all Julie's dear family.
I had the pleasure of being part of the staff who welcomed Julie to Saugeen Valley school when she was beginning her educational journey.
When I transferred to JDSS I had the privilege of being with her when she graduated.
I have very fond memories of our time together over the many years
Her cute smile, humour and determination will always be remembered.
Let your light shine!
My sincere condolences to everyone. Julie was a true gem, living life by her terms and spreading joy everyday.There really are no words. Fly high Julie…🫶
- Jan SchwartzSo saddened by this news. Julie had a beautiful personality. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Wishing you comfort furing this difficult time.
- Suzanne CooneyMy deepest condolences to you, Heather and your family on the loss of your sister. Sending you long-distance hugs!
- Susan BeckSweet Julie you will be missed!
I worked @JDSS with Julie & enjoyed it & her spirit & strong will, sometimes it could be a challenge but loved my time with her!
Bless you Julie💕💕
Verenna Finlay
I remember Julie when I was a student in Durham and at JDSS. So sad to hear of her passing. My condolences to all her loved ones during this difficult time.
- Kathleen SmallEver so sorry of the passing of your daughter, Jullie.
- Lorraine {Bailey} WeilerMy heartfelt condolences to the entire Derksen Family on the passing of Julie.
- Kevin ChittickOur sincere condolences to all Julie's family!💐💝 I knew Julie when I was a young teen as Rudy & Reta were involved in our Mennonite Youth Fellowship. Julie was special to all she met! Melissa got to know Julie, very well, at HARC - Community Living. My last recollection of seeing Julie was when Melissa & her were walking down the driveway by her apartment! ….Apparently to get Julie to exercise but it was reinforcing the friendship bond that they had all these years! 💐💝💗 Thank you God for special friends in our lives!
- Melissa and Susanne LeifsoA special soul has left this. Life.. My sincere sympathy to all who feel this loss. God give you comfort .
Leah Boehm
