April 27^th 1966 – August 17^th 2024

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Julie Anne Hirtzel died of breast cancer on August 17th, 2024.

Julie Anne Drinkward was born on April 27th, 1966, to James and Ruby Jane Drinkward at Little Company of Mary in Torrance, California. Julie grew up in Redondo Beach, graduated from Redondo High, and attained an undergraduate degree in education with a minor in geography at California State University Long Beach.

The Lord saved Julie in June of 1983 at a Bible study on the beach at 100 the Strand in Hermosa Beach shortly after her mother's conversion and death. Her new life in Christ initiated decades of service to Christ and His church at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Redondo Beach, California and then Branch of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Torrance, California.

In January 1990, Julie Anne Drinkward married Michael René Hirtzel at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, starting their marriage of 34 years. The Lord gave Julie and "Mic" five children, who became their five closest friends.

Julie spent her Christian years homeschooling her children, training mothers to homeschool, organizing church camps and events, teaching logic and California history, serving Mexican orphans, running middle school ministry, working as a Sunday school superintendent, starting and operating a furniture company, planning weddings, counseling friends, discipling young women, working as a property manager and designer, delighting in the ocean, assisting dozens of women as a doula, planning foreign excursions for friends and family, and enjoying cheese, crepes, and all sorts of treats.

Julie was predeceased by James and Ruby Jane Drinkwardand is survived by her brother Neal Drinkward, husband Michael Hirtzel, and five children (Marisa, Neal, Eli, Michaela, and Meg).