Julita Giedre Shallal, 77, peacefully passed into eternal life at her home on Monday, March 18, 2024, after a quick and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Lingen, Germany, on July 4, 1946, to the late Antanas and Elena (Cervydas) Kvedaras, after they fled their native country, Lithuania, during World War II. In 1950, her family immigrated to the United States and were welcomed by Lady Liberty in New York Harbor before settling in Detroit, Michigan. In her childhood, Julita was enamored with music, particularly the violin, in which she excelled. Throughout her teenage years, she studied violin at the Detroit Conservatory of Music and was selected to play with the Windsor Orchestra Youth Symphony in Ontario, Canada. After graduating cum laude from Immaculata High School in 1964, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Detroit. Her time at the university forever inspired her passion for science, medicine, and lifelong learning. There she met the love of her life, the late John A. Shallal, M.D.

John was drawn to Julita from the moment they first met and serenaded her with poetry, blue roses, and exciting adventures. She quickly fell for his charm, wit, and intellect, but what she admired most was his unwavering devotion to his faith and family. In May 1968, at the tender ages of 21 and 25, Julita and John united in marriage, commencing a 53-year voyage unified in mind, body, and soul.

They started their family soon after, and their first son, John Thomas, was born in March 1969. On the day John graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan, John Thomas took his first steps at the ceremony, making the day special for all. When John’s surgical residency took them to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Julita shifted her focus towards building a strong foundation for their growing family, which now also included their daughter Audra. During this period, Julita discovered her passion for cooking and entertaining. She enjoyed inviting others over and making dishes from cultures all over the world, especially European and Chaldean cuisine, keeping them close to their family heritage. After years of enduring brutal winters and the constant threat of tornadoes, the family left Mayo Clinic and headed to Emory University for two years. Atlanta was a city full of art and music, and it was here that Julita realized her enjoyment of ballet, opera, and could return to experiencing the symphony and classical music. While living in Atlanta, she also gave birth to her third child, Andrew, in 1976. After another move to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the family was ultimately lured to Savannah, Georgia, where they decided to open John’s first private practice.

Together, John and Julita established Savannah Heart and Lung Institute where they spent the next forty-one years joyfully and prayerfully taking care of patients. They were both dedicated to their patients and believed everyone deserved to be treated with expertise, kindness, and understanding. They continued to work side-by-side at the practice, helping people until John’s death from COVID-19 in September 2021.

Julita’s compassion for others was surpassed only by her love and loyalty to her family. Julita devoted much of her time encouraging her children to participate in a wide range of activities, from horseback riding, piano, tennis, ballet, and much more. She made sure that they experienced life to the fullest and encouraged them to travel, be their own people, but to always remember their history and roots. Those who knew her describe her as a giver and a gifter; she was always lending a hand to make things extra special for those she cared for. She found solace by the seaside, and one of her favorite pastimes that she shares with all of her children is sitting on the beach listening to the calming sound of ocean waves rolling onto shore. An avid reader and follower of world events, she had keen intellect and could always offer insight and enthusiasm to conversations. An elegant woman with great taste and style, Julita created a beautiful home and life for her family. She greatly enjoyed sharing her knowledge and wisdom with her grandchildren and watching them blossom under her guidance. Julita was very involved in many organizations throughout the years, but some of her favorites included the Savannah Symphony Guild, the Medical Society Guild, and the Savannah Ballet Company.

As a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. James Catholic Church, Julita experienced profound comfort through her faith. Her trust in God's plan never wavered, serving as a source of strength and hope for those around her. Her unwavering belief in the power of prayer and the promise of eternal life sustained her through life's trials and tribulations. Julita was a beacon of love, strength, and compassion throughout her life. She touched the hearts of everyone she met with her warm smile, selflessness, and unwavering kindness. While we mourn the loss of Julita's physical presence, we take comfort in knowing that she has been called home to be with her Heavenly Father and her beloved husband.

May her enduring faith continue to inspire us all, reminding us of the power of belief, the beauty of redemption, and the promise of eternal life. Julita’s legacy lives on in the hopes, dreams, and infinite potential of all of her children and grandchildren whom she adored. Her absence will be felt by all her family and friends. We will all greatly miss our beloved Obi.

She is survived by her sons, John Thomas (Denise) and Andrew (Emily) of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter, Audra Shallal-Platov (Ilya) of Paris, France; eight beautiful grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Peter, Jack, Davis, Caroline, Andrei, and Alexander; sister, Virginia Hatzenbeler; brothers-in-law, Jamal Shallal (Lillian), Jack Shallal, Joseph Shallal (Lillian), and Jim Shallal; sisters-in-law, Julia Khami, Janette Shallal, Jane Shallal; as well as 26 nieces and nephews.  Julita was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Shallal, M.D.; parents, Antanas & Elena Kvedaras; uncle, Antanas Cervydas.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Matthew Catholic Church chapel with visitation at 12:00 p.m. A committal service will take place Saturday, March 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery mausoleum in Southfield, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. James Catholic Church in Savannah (8412 Whitefield Ave, Savannah, Georgia 31406).