Julia “Julie” Yawkey Gaston, 90, of Southborough, MA and Wilson, WY passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Daughter of Thomas A. Yawkey, former owner of the Boston Red Sox, and Elise S. Watts, Julie lived a remarkable life characterized by elegance, profound generosity, and an unwavering commitment to friends and family.
Julie was born in Bloomington, IN and grew up in New York City. She attended the Brearley School and graduated from Garrison Forest School and Bennett Junior College. As a girl, Julie enjoyed figure skating and embraced family interests keeping baseball game scores by hand. As a young adult, she made her debut at a dinner dance in 1954 in East Hampton, NY, followed by the Debutante Cotillion and Christmas Ball in New York City as well as the Bachelors Cotillion in Baltimore. While at Bennett, Julie’s twinkling blue eyes, captivating smile, and engaging personality caught the eye of Frederick Keiley Gaston III, whom she married in 1957. They would celebrate their 69th anniversary this year, a true testament of their bond to each other and their family. Together over those 69 years, they built a vibrant life in Wilton, CT, Weston, VT and Wilson, WY.
Julie was known for her impeccable style, generous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She was a passionate traveler who found joy in exploring the world and sharing its beauty with others through her love of photography. She particularly enjoyed trips to Yorkshire and The Isle or Skye in the UK, African safaris, and family vacations to Alaska and Turks & Caicos. Julie was a long time volunteer for Save The Children and Norwalk Hospital. Julie had an amazing green thumb, and lovingly tended gardens in VT and WY which were the envy of all who saw them. Her love of animals, especially dogs, was apparent in the shared companionship of her devoted labs, Schuyler, Daisy and Willow. She had a fondness for all creatures great and small, and to her delight moose, their calves, and occasional black bears graced the safe haven of her yard each summer in WY, along with a continuous flurry of hummingbirds visiting her gardens. Wyoming nights spent at the Hoot were a sociable pastime for her and a requisite experience for her visiting guests. Her genuine warmth, hospitality and gentle kindness was a magnet to both people and animals alike.
Julie’s love of family will be carried on by her husband, Fred, along with their children: Fred and his wife, Anne; Diana and her husband, Chris; and Tom. She adored each of her eight grandchildren: Emily, Phoebe, Olivia, Zoë, Corey, Keiley, Sophie, and Will, and enriched their lives with beautiful photo books celebrating the happiness found in each year. Julie was also fortunate to experience the joy of being a great-grandmother to Silas, Elio, and Tegan.
Julie will be remembered for her gracious presence, her generous heart, and the deep love she shared with all who knew her. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends for generations to come.
In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Julie’s name to St. John’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 1690, Jackson, WY 83001 – www.stjohnsjackson.org or to Mariam-Boyd Parlin House C/O Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459 – www.gscommunitycare.org (Mariam Boyd Parlin House)
A Celebration of Life for Julie will be held by her family at a later date and will be announced soon.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
