WESTBROOK — Julia Stebbins, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at the Springbrook Center in Westbrook.

She was 96; an only child who was never alone. Who was Jule and Julie and Nana and Great Nana. Who was closest to home on a boat between ports. Who knew something about everything and talked about anything. Who knew how to talk. Who entertained anyone, serving cold drinks in clear plastic tumblers. Who took her fat with her lean and her lean with some skin. Who loved Raggedy Anne and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Who sang the song of every North American songbird. Who could name the kitten's paw and the mermaid's purse. Who savored the names. Who dressed to impress, the Jewel of the Seas in a sequin blouse and plastic pearls who made the penny slot pay. Who relished the smell of the lily of the valley. Whose praise fell like rain on the African violet. Who mastered the art of the devilled egg and the St. James pudding. Who knew the recipes by heart.

Mrs. Stebbins is survived by her three children, Robert Whidden of St. Michaels, Md., Charles Stebbins of East Baldwin and Cathie Peterson of Freeport; her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A private ceremony will be held this summer at her family’s burial site in Aurora.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Humane Society: www.humanesociety.org