During yesterday's funeral service, held at the A&P Hall in Broadwood, friends and family spoke of a bright personality; a caring passionate teacher and lifelong educator.
Her son, John, spoke of his mother's long history in the north and her commitment to teaching, which continued right up until her death.
"Her life
was all about people" he said.
"She liked to see the light in kid's eyes light up when they got something she was teaching."
Niece Alison Thom said her great aunt Barbara had been an inspiration not only for her own career in teaching, but that of the many others she had mentored.
"She helped make me a better teacher."
Renee Vincent, a Year 6 student from Kaitaia Abundant Life School, thanked her for being a great teacher.
"I remember her as a lovely and caring teacher. Farewell Mrs Julian, it was a privilege and honour knowing you."
At the end of the service, her grandson Robbie rang a school bell which was on top of her coffin.
Instead of flowers the family asked for donations to the Far North Community Hospice.
Mrs Julian was a dedicated supporter of the hospice, serving as a trustee for three years, working as a volunteer at the hospice's bed at Kaitaia Hospital, and making quilts for fundraising raffles.
She lived at Broadwood for many years with her late husband Ted and started her teaching career there in 1960.
Mrs Julian was found dead in her Matthews Ave home by worried neighbours around 5.30pm last Wednesday.
An unemployed 17-year-old has been arrested on an unrelated charge after he was found in a nearby garden. Police say he is their main suspect.
