Julia M. Stagg, a longtime resident of Naples, Fla., died peacefully on Saturday, April 1 in Naples. She was 97.

Daughter of John E. Beard Sr. and Esther Martz Beard, Julia Ellen was born in Bellwood, Pa. on March 11, 1920. She graduated from Wells High School in Steubenville, Ohio in 1938. Julie lived in Steubenville, Ohio and later in Weston and Wayland, with summers on Martha’s Vineyard and winters in Naples, Fla. She was an avid golfer and bridge player, and loved to travel, circling the world on two separate cruises. She enjoyed sailing, as well as the Boston Symphony and the Naples Philharmonic, the arts, antiquing, bird watching, arranging flowers, and entertaining at her gracious home and clubs. Julie and Howard were longtime members of The Country Club of Naples and The Naples Yacht Club. She will be especially remembered for her giving spirit and philanthropic generosity.

Julie is preceded in death by her brothers George and John Beard and by her husbands, John E. McGowan of Steubenville, and Howard J. Stagg 3rd, of Syracuse, Weston and Wayland, to whom she was married for 41 years. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen McGowan, of Auburn, and four stepchildren: Howard J. Stagg 4th, of Sacramento, Calif.; Peter S. Stagg and his wife, Marilyn, of Chatham; Jeffrey S. Stagg of Roseville, Calif.; and Deborah S. Rothfuss and her husband, Dietolf, of Jacksonville, Ill.; as well as many adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK.; to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105; to the First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 250 6th Street South, Naples, FL 34102; or to Seven Hills Foundation, in care of Michelle Vigneux, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603.

A private memorial service will be held in Wellesley at a later date.