Mother, Pilates instructor, dancer, choreographer

Julia Elizabeth Bourne died peacefully at home September 18 surrounded by family and friends after battling brain cancer for more than two years. She was 45 years old.

Raised in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in England, her love of dance was evident at a very early age.

She began ballet classes at six, was accepted at the prestigious Northern Ballet School in Manchester and later qualified as a dance teacher at Liverpool’s Merseyside Dance and Drama Academy. She became a professional dancer, which took her on a world journey, performing in Japan, Greece and Hong Kong in a variety of productions.

She became a choreographer and dancer on a major cruise line, where she met her husband Walter Ryan Seward. For years they traveled to many exotic destinations while performing on the ship, Julia working as a dancer and Ryan as a musician.

Eventually they left the cruise ship and headed for the east coast of the US, where they married in 2004. It was there that she discovered her passion for Pilates and worked as an instructor for several years. The couple moved to California, where Ms. Bourne became a Pilates instructor in Claremont, quickly building a reputation as an outstanding teacher.

In 2010, she founded her own studio, Bourne Pilates, in Claremont’s College Business Park. Her passion for Pilates quickly spread to her colleagues and clients, who helped her establish a successful business. The couple’s wish for a family was fulfilled in 2014 with the arrival of twins, William James and Lilly Rose.

She will be remembered as a tender, loving mother, devoted wife, sister, daughter and friend to many.

She is survived by her mother Pauline; sister Suzanne; husband Ryan; and her two children,  William and Lilly.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to all of her wonderful friends who have supported them through this very difficult time.

A celebration of her life will take place October 13.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Julia Bourne Dance Scholarship at Uncommon Good at uncommongood.org/donate, or by check to Uncommon Good, 211 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711.