Julie Lugo Cerra died Monday morning. her daughter Michele Cerra Lachoff reported. Her health started to decline during the pandemic...first with dementia/Alzheimer's and then this past December, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.
A lifelong Culver City resident, and descendant of the early settlers she was Culver City's historian Michelle describes Julie– "as a force of nature (aka Hurricane Julie), wonderful cook and hostess, historian, grandma extraordinaire, amazing friend and family member who took care of just about everyone like part of the family." She pushed all of us hard as she wanted us all to be our best. She served on the first Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission from 2001 - 2009. Julie was a past member and President of the Culver City Unified School District Board of Education.
There will be no services as was her wish, mom didn't really 'believe' in funerals as she firmly believed we should do things for our people when we can enjoy the time together and they can feel the love instead of waiting to share our appreciation till after they are gone.
An author of several books on the history of Culver City she provided the majority of content for the 75th and 100th anniversary of Culver City.
She will join her parents and husband Sam and be spread at sea through the Neptune Society of which she always proudly declared to be a 'card carrying member.' So next time you are near the Pacific Ocean send your best, and to honor Julie, please do something for someone you love, share a meal, an adventure or a conversation. If you're looking to make a donation - please consider a donation in her name to the Culver City Historical Society which was near and dear to her heart from the very start - or to any cause that is meaningful to you personally - mom was all about doing the things that are important to you most of all.
And PSA from me - especially since March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month - please, if you are 45 or older, schedule a colonoscopy. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers now, and one of the most Observer will publish "recollections of Julie" in an upcoming issue.
Monday night’s city council meeting was adjourned in her honor.
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