Julia Desiderio Barfels

Julia Desiderio Barfels passed from this life on November 6, 2022 at the age of 69. She was born on February 11, 1953 in Navotas, Philippines (metro Manila) to the late Luz Payumo Desiderio and Rogelio Desiderio, and was the first of three children including Eddie and Bonnie.

Julia was educated at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, where she studied accountancy, and later, she earned her CPA licensure. But this was only the beginning for Julia, as her ambition and dreams extended beyond completing her degree. After university, Julia pursued a variety of professions including a management role with Petron Philippines, working as an accounting professor, and owning a restaurant. She owned a small restaurant in Manila still remembered for serving the most incredible fried chicken.

During this time in her life, Julia welcomed three of her five daughters, Joan, Vonne and Karen. She dreamt of more for herself and her family, including a life in the United States, so she embarked on a journey to get there.

Her first stop was working abroad for the Intercontinental hotel in Bahrain in 1981. It was on this small island where she met the love of her life, Uwe Barfels, who was an expat from Germany also working for the hotel. It was opposites attract for them and they quickly fell in love. Later that year, on October 16, 1981, Julia and Uwe were married in Bahrain’s desert at the only church in town, surrounded by a small group of friends and loved ones.

In 1982, after they were married, Julia was expecting their first child and the couple decided she should deliver the baby at home in the Philippines where she would be most comfortable. So, Julia returned home while Uwe completed a work assignment in Athens, Greece. Once their daughter Christine was born, Uwe was offered a role in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and they agreed on taking the opportunity to set down roots in the United States. Julia’s dream was realized and they later became U.S. citizens.

Despite the ups and downs of life, including a car accident that caused her to become physically disabled, Julia was determined to build a beautiful life in the U.S. Eventually, Uwe’s career led them to Springfield, Virginia in 1984, where they became home owners for the first time – an achievement that brought Julia much pride. Shortly after, Julia had their second child (her fifth) Heidi in 1985. During this time, they purchased their second home in Virginia on Blue Jasmine Court, a model home Julia and Uwe always called their favorite. The family later moved to New York in 1990, South Carolina in 1996 and back to South Florida in 2000, where both would eventually retire.

Julia loved love and had an impressive collection of her favorite romantic movies and music. She enjoyed a successful career as an accountant, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. We will always remember her kind, generous, intelligent, loyal and loving spirit.

Julia is survived by her husband Uwe; 5 daughters: Joan (Jerome), Vonne (Ryan), Karen (Eduardo), Christine (Roger) and Heidi (Evan); and her 9 grandchildren: Heinj, Julianne, Juztine, Rian, Jaiuz, Zepth, Gabriella, Daphne and Sydney. She is also survived by her brothers Eddie (Doris) and Bonnie (Gijie) and nieces and nephews in the Philippines.

There will be a small funeral service for the immediate family only. In memory of Julia, donations can be made to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (themiamiproject.org), co-founded by Dr. Barth A. Green, the world-renowned neurosurgeon who changed her life.