From Paul Krieger, childhood friend of Sameer’s brother Sanjay. Paul’s parents still live in Port Washington where the Kriegers and Upadhyays grew up, and Sameer and Sanjay and their families still spend Thanksgiving nearby at their parents’ place.
January 22, 2025 in an email to Sameer
My memories of Julie are primarily of your visits to my parents’ house on Thanksgiving weekend over the past many years along with my brother’s closest friends (Goose, Juice, and Levy) and their families. Julie’s kindness in making the effort to come and bring Ella and Devan and later Shubu was so meaningful to my parents and me. As you know, Thanksgiving weekend can be hectic and stressful and full of commitments to family and friends as well as an opportunity for a much needed break. So, for Julie to take the time to spend a half day with us and, in some sense, honor my brother – a person she didn’t know – was beautiful and special. And Julie didn’t just make an appearance at these visits; she brought warmth, empathy, genuineness, laughter, energy, and fun. Her interest in and ability to make a true connection with my family, my kids, my parents, and me (and everyone there) was extraordinary and impactful. And it was so evident from these visits how much she loved you all and what an amazing mom and life partner she was.
These visits are, of course, just a snapshot in time, but they were emblematic of how Julie lived and approached her life.