Julia Sorbello

Julia Sorbello, 86, died suddenly on October 21 at her home in Bowie, MD. Julia was born and raised in the Philippines, where she was Valedictorian of her senior class. Before marriage she was a stewardess with Philippine Airlines. From 1968 until retiring in 1984, she worked as a secretary and then as a personnel manager for the American Trucking Association (ATA) in Washington, DC. She was admired for her patience and remarkable ability to adapt to the many changing circumstances she experienced. During WWII, the Catholic school at which she and her sister lived was captured by the Japanese and they lived under occupation. When the Japanese were forced to retreat, they sealed the students and staff into a building and set fire to it. The students and staff managed to escape when a workman, who still had some tools, managed to make a hole in one of the walls. Later, she met and married an American Army officer, Michael Sorbello. Although he had to remain at his post, she left the Philippines to live in the U.S. with his parents, who spoke no English. During the two decades after his return, they had four children and the family moved to a different state about every two years. She taught herself to be expert at sewing and made many of the childrens' clothes, as well as slipcovers and drapes. She was a devoted wife to Major Michael Sorbello, who predeceased her in 2009. She was a loving mother to Lorraine Sorbello, Shirley Cooke, Michael Sorbello, Jr., and the late Marie Theresa Sorbello. Julia made friends easily and was loved by many, including her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who span three continents. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 6-8 PM on Friday, Oct. 25, at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Highway Bowie. A mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 11AM, at Sacred Heart Chapel, 16501 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.