Mary Julia Counter 1938-2026

Mary Julia Counter, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Conway) Garbacik, she grew up in Holyoke and was a 1957 graduate of the former Rosary High School. She had seven children with her first husband, Joseph P. Counter and raised them in Holyoke, MA. Her eldest son, Michael Counter passed away in December of 2021. He is survived by his widow Heather Counter, and their two daughters. Julie is survived by her remaining children, Mariellen Counter, of Agawam MA., Kathleen Counter, of Manchester, CT., Kristen Counter of Agawam, MA., John Counter of Hamden, CT., Kevin Counter of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Kerri LaPlante and husband Christopher of Westhampton, MA.

She was an entrepreneur who owned two businesses, a revered hairdresser for decades, loved playing cards, and enjoyed traveling. She is predeceased by her husband of forty-two years, Robert T. Longtin.

Her surviving siblings include Michael Garbacik (sister-in-law Rosemary) of West Springfield, Ellen Hayes of South Hadley, Elizabeth Minnette (brother-in-law Greg) of Ledyard, CT., Edward Garbacik (sister-in-law Heather) of South Hadley, MA., she is predeceased by her brother Walter Garbacik (surviving sister-in-law Patricia).

She leaves behind eight loving grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10am at St. Patrick's Church, 30 Main Street, South Hadley, MA. The burial will be a private family event. Williamsburg Funeral Home in Haydenville has been entrusted with her services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

A heartfelt thanks to the kind and helpful hospice nurses and caregivers at Cooley Dickinson Hospice who tended to Julie during her final days.