Heathcote teacher’s sudden death leaves community mourning

Julia Queck passed unexpectedly at home.

BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK

On April 7th, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Drew Patrick sent an email to families that was as stunning as it was sad: Julia Queck, a Heathcote first grade teacher, had passed away the previous weekend due to an accident in her home.

“Julia Queck joined us in the 2023-24 school year as a special education teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary, serving students who attend that school and receive services from the District. She began as an ICT teacher this school year as part of the first grade Heathcote team,” Superintendent Patrick said. “Julia provided a warm, nurturing, supportive, and engaging learning environment for students as they have developed throughout the year. Julia leaves behind a loving husband and two young children. This is a heartbreaking loss for her family, and for our students, staff, and parents.”

While a fatal home accident may seem to be a surprising cause of death, it is far more common than one might assume. According to the National Safety Council, the number of medically consulted injuries occurring in the home is greater than the total number of medically consulted injuries that occur in public places, the workplace, and motor-vehicle crashes combined.