In Loving Memory of Dr. Julia Pederson

Julia Pederson, MD, born June 5, 1985, was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, pediatrician, and friend whose life was defined by curiosity, compassion, determination, and an unwavering belief in what was possible.

A California girl at heart, Julia excelled academically and athletically, earning recognition as CIF Player of the Year in high school before graduating from Harvard College in 2007 with a degree in Biology and a certificate in Health Policy. While at Harvard, she competed on the Varsity Women’s Track and Field Team and was co-captain of the team. She also began her journey in patient-centered healthcare as a premedical intern at BCT.org, where she supported clinical and technology initiatives aimed at improving patient care. (UCSF).

Julia earned her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in 2014 and completed her pediatric residency at Northwestern University’s Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chi-town. Throughout her career, she remained devoted to caring for children and families, particularly underserved communities. Most recently, she joined UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, continuing her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Julia was an exceptional athlete, an avid reader, a world traveler, an aspiring interior designer, and a lover of birds and nature. Above all, she had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. She believed in asking questions, embracing new experiences, taking chances, and always showing up for others. Her spirited “Dios mío!” and her commitment to living by carpe diem perfectly captured her adventurous, joyful spirit.

Her greatest joy was her family. Julia was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to build a life filled with love, opportunity, and adventure for her daughter. No matter what she accomplished, her family always came first.

She is survived by her daughter, parents, sister, grandmother, grandfather, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Though her life was far too short, Julia’s legacy will live on through the children she cared for, the families she supported, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless people she inspired. Above all, her light will continue to shine through her beloved daughter, whom she loved fiercely. Julia will always be a California girl at heart and will be remembered for a life lived with courage, compassion, curiosity, and love.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church, 4000 Derry Street, Harrisburg, with Rev. Kevin J. Coyle, Pastor, as Celebrant. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.