Nurse and School Librarian Julia G. O'Hara, 67

Judy O'Hara was head of the Upper School library at the Potomac School in McLean. She was also an aerobics dance instructor. (Family Photo)

Julia Genero O'Hara, 67, a former librarian at the Potomac School in McLean, died of breast cancer Nov. 30 at her home in Vienna.

Mrs. O'Hara was born in Port Arthur, Tex., and grew up in Little Rock and Dermott, Ark. She received her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas in 1961 and began her nursing career as a clinical research assistant in heart research in Houston.

After moving to the Washington area in 1971, she worked as a nurse at Doctors Hospital in the District until 1975.

After volunteering for many years in the library at the Potomac School, where her daughter was a student, she became head of the Upper School library in 1987.

She received a master's degree in library science from Catholic University in 1993.

Mrs. O'Hara was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 and regularly participated in breast cancer fundraisers. In 2002, she completed a 60-mile fundraising walk with her daughter. She also enjoyed working as an aerobics dance instructor.

A longtime member of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, she served as deacon and elder of the church and trained to be a lay minister. She also participated in Christ Care Ministry and many Habitat for Humanity building projects.

Her Habitat for Humanity colleagues knew her for her bucket of tools and her ointments and medicines, as well as for her ready smile and words of encouragement.

She taught herself to be a Habitat siding expert, her daughter said.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, R. Michael O'Hara of Vienna; a daughter, Michelle O'Hara Levin of the District; and a sister.

-- Joe Holley