Julieta (“Julie”) Hoeckh, 86, of Ludlow, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 with her son by her side. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Afonso and Emma (Sa Nogueira) Nascimento, Julie was a life-long resident of Ludlow, with strong Portuguese roots. She was one of seven students in the first Portuguese language class in Ludlow, which met at the original Portuguese Club founded in Ludlow in the 1920s. Julie was also a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church. Julie graduated from Ludlow High School in 1957, Pro Merito, National Honor Society, and took various courses at Bennett Secretarial School and, later, Western New England University. Throughout her career she worked in the insurance industry and education, and in 2012 she retired from Western New England University where she was employed for over 20 years. Julie was an active member of the community. She taught Christian Doctrine classes for 25 years at Our Lady of Fatima Parish; participated in the Golden Girls Pageant in 2001 (the Senior Mrs. Massachusetts Pageant); was a Town Precinct voter; enjoyed several years as a member of Ludlow's Cultural Arts Council; and was a strong supporter of LUSO Federal Credit Union, serving on various committees and Board of Directors. Julie brought joy and laughter to all those around her and loved to sing. She was always able to recall, from all the old Portuguese songs that no one else could remember, the perfect song for just the right moment. And no matter where Julie went, whether on bus trips with friends and family to special events in New England, or study abroad trips to Israel as part of her work at Western New England University, she always managed to find among strangers someone who spoke Portuguese, bringing them into conversation and making them feel welcomed by her traveling companions. Julie was married to Emil Hoeckh, who passed away in 2020. They were married for 58 years. Together they had a son, Richard Hoeckh, and a daughter, Julie Ann Hoeckh, who passed away in 1990. Julie leaves behind Richard and wife Melanie, and their daughters, Sandi and Sara, as well as many loving extended family members and dear friends. A public wake will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 9:15am- 10:15am in Ludlow Funeral Home; followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at Our Lady of Fatima Church; and finally, a Burial at St. Aloysius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima Church 438 Winsor St. Ludlow, MA. 01056.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Julieta Hoeckh, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
15
Jan
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
15
Jan
438 Winsor Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
1273 Berkshire Avenue
Indian Orchard, Ma 01151
