Julia Vance Held died on February 18, 2026, at her home in Cayucos, California, after a brief illness. She was 87.
Julia was born in 1938 in western Pennsylvania and was educated at Briarcliff College in New York. Eager for adventure, she headed west in 1960 where she met Gordon, a Navy officer stationed in San Diego. What followed was 65 years filled with travel, adventure and a legacy.
Julia’s highest priority was family, and she received great pleasure from so much family living nearby. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Gordon; her sons Gregory Held (Kathleen), Smith Held (Hannah), and Jeffrey Held (Roberta), all of Cayucos. She is survived by grandchildren Matthew Held (Sarah) of Tyler, TX; Emma Held of Eureka, CA; and Molly Held, Alison Held, Caroline Held and Ryan Held, all of Cayucos; as well as four great grandchildren and three nieces.
Until the very end she was committed to her daily walks with Gordon — on the beach, or through the neighborhoods, or to the ranches behind Cayucos. She was generous and kind, a little mischievous, and could be wonderfully funny. She shared her wisdom, asked insightful questions and wanted everyone to live a life that made them happy.
A fifty-year resident of Cayucos, and lifelong Episcopalian, Julia worshipped at St. Peter’s By The Sea in Morro Bay. In addition to family and community in Cayucos, Julia delighted in the bright lights and fast pace of San Francisco, where she maintained a home and lived part time, enjoying the theater, dining, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held this spring in Cayucos. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
