Julia H. Avent
April 11, 1963 ~ February 12, 2021
Julia Haviland Avent passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2021. Born on April 11, 1963 in Dallas, Texas, she was a beloved wife to Tommy, mother to Emma, and friend to many.
Julia graduated from Albemarle HS in Charlottesville, VA and played on the women's basketball team. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Virginia in 1985, and was also a member of Tri Delta sorority. After graduating, she moved to Northern Virginia to pursue her career in real estate.
Julia was an award-winning Associate Broker with RE/MAX West End and licensed in Virginia, DC and Maryland. During her distinguished career she was honored to hold leadership positions with the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Board of Directors (2009-2014) and VAR Board of Directors (2016-2018), as well as serving on the Grievance Committee and Professional Standards Committee. She also received the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement, Hall of Fame, 100 Club, Chairman Club, and Platinum Club awards, as well as NVAR Lifetime Top Producer, Lifetime Million Dollar Sales Club and 10 Million Dollar Club awards.
The first thing you noticed about Julia was her smile. She was always the life of the party and loved good food, good wine and good company whether at the beach, at the lake, or by the fire pit. Julia was highly driven in whatever she set out to do and had many successes. She was very dedicated to her daughter, Emma, and was so proud of her equestrian accomplishments and the mature, intelligent young woman she had grown into. With a soft heart for rescue animals, Julia passionately loved dogs and horses, and always had a dog at her side.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, Dr. John Kenneth and Eleanor Valerie Haviland, she is survived by her husband Thomas Edward Avent Jr. and daughter Emma Grace Avent, and her four siblings and their spouses: Susan Elizabeth Haviland(John Seely Brown) of Palo Alto, California, David Pairman Haviland(Mary Gunter Haviland) of Abingdon, Virginia, Peter Aldridge Haviland(Rachel Haviland) of Tampa, Florida, and Laurence Beckton Haviland(Mary Elizabeth Haviland) of Roanoke, Virginia; and six nieces, nephews and their spouses, Simon Windsor Haviland, Hannah Louise Haviland Grondahl(Frederick Grondahl), Jordan Natalie Haviland(Thomas Gordon Sweemer), Elizabeth Aynsley Haviland, Jonathon Chase Haviland, and Jonathan Baker Haviland; and grand nieces and nephews - Oscar David Matts Grondahl, Hans Simon Algot Grondahl, and Addilyn Windsor Haviland.
A private funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia at 10.30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, February 27. The service will be livestreamed for those who wish to join https://www.saint-peters.org/
Friends may visit www.moneyandking.com for a complete obituary and to leave a note in the guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and/or Eric Monday Foundation.
Julia graduated from Albemarle HS in Charlottesville, VA and played on the women's basketball team. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Virginia in 1985, and was also a member of Tri Delta sorority. After graduating, she moved to Northern Virginia to pursue her career in real estate.
Julia was an award-winning Associate Broker with RE/MAX West End and licensed in Virginia, DC and Maryland. During her distinguished career she was honored to hold leadership positions with the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Board of Directors (2009-2014) and VAR Board of Directors (2016-2018), as well as serving on the Grievance Committee and Professional Standards Committee. She also received the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement, Hall of Fame, 100 Club, Chairman Club, and Platinum Club awards, as well as NVAR Lifetime Top Producer, Lifetime Million Dollar Sales Club and 10 Million Dollar Club awards.
The first thing you noticed about Julia was her smile. She was always the life of the party and loved good food, good wine and good company whether at the beach, at the lake, or by the fire pit. Julia was highly driven in whatever she set out to do and had many successes. She was very dedicated to her daughter, Emma, and was so proud of her equestrian accomplishments and the mature, intelligent young woman she had grown into. With a soft heart for rescue animals, Julia passionately loved dogs and horses, and always had a dog at her side.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, Dr. John Kenneth and Eleanor Valerie Haviland, she is survived by her husband Thomas Edward Avent Jr. and daughter Emma Grace Avent, and her four siblings and their spouses: Susan Elizabeth Haviland(John Seely Brown) of Palo Alto, California, David Pairman Haviland(Mary Gunter Haviland) of Abingdon, Virginia, Peter Aldridge Haviland(Rachel Haviland) of Tampa, Florida, and Laurence Beckton Haviland(Mary Elizabeth Haviland) of Roanoke, Virginia; and six nieces, nephews and their spouses, Simon Windsor Haviland, Hannah Louise Haviland Grondahl(Frederick Grondahl), Jordan Natalie Haviland(Thomas Gordon Sweemer), Elizabeth Aynsley Haviland, Jonathon Chase Haviland, and Jonathan Baker Haviland; and grand nieces and nephews - Oscar David Matts Grondahl, Hans Simon Algot Grondahl, and Addilyn Windsor Haviland.
A private funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia at 10.30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, February 27. The service will be livestreamed for those who wish to join https://www.saint-peters.org/
Friends may visit www.moneyandking.com for a complete obituary and to leave a note in the guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and/or Eric Monday Foundation.
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Julia was so kind, caring and her smile was memorable. As moms of young children at St Peter’s, I always appreciated our talks about juggling family and work. Our hearts and prayers to Tommy and Emma that you always feel her love and warm embrace.
Julia Avent joined our company, ERA Legum & Norman Realty Inc., as a newish real estate agent in the 1990s. She was full of enthusiasm and never ending drive. She absorbed real estate information like a sponge, becoming a successful realtor within a year. We were very proud of her integrity and extensive knowledge, and her ability to provide exceptional service to her clients. She ultimately became a super star in her own right. My condolences go out to all that loved and cared for Julia especially her husband Tommy and daughter Emma. Teddy Norman
Julia, we will always be a better community and church family for your having been a member of each. Thank you and Rest In Peace. Ed & Lynn Wilson
I am heart broken to hear this news of Julia’s passing. Having worked with Julia for many years at Re/Max, I always remember how competitive she was and how outstanding. I remember when Emma was born and how she cherished this new child of hers, so proud always. My heart and prayers are with you Tommy and Emma during this time. Julia’s loss is a huge one both personally and in the Real Estate world. May the peace of God that surpasses understanding be with you. Julia will be missed.
Right now sorrow fills my heart. We will never forget such a wonderful person, who worked hard for so many good causes, and help others to better their lives. You will be missed for all the beautiful moments you allowed us to share with you, now you have to rest in peace my friend.
My heart and prayers are with Tommy, Emma and family.
Planting a new life in Honor and Loving memories of “Julia Avent”,
Jeff and I are saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Julia to the Avent and Haviland Families. As fellow realtors, we always admired her work and learned from her. As neighbors in Bellvue Forest, we always enjoyed chatting with her whenever our paths crossed. May she Rest In Peace and our most sincere condolences to the family.
Tommy, we were so incredibly saddened to hear this news. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Emma and your family. Dana and Scott Fredericksen
Tommy and Emma, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your wife and mom. She was such a caring and thoughtful person, helping to guide her clients in a way that many agents envied. Julia always wore a smile and took time to ask how my family was doing. I will miss her as will the entire community. Rest in Peace Julia.
Tommy & Emma, With heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you.
I was devastated to hear the news. Julia was such a fierce spirit and I admired her tremendously. We had so much fun during this trip to Norfolk. We took a break to go shopping and took a long walk to get out of the hotel for a while. The antics were epic! My heart goes out to you all. She will be missed.
I still can’t believe we won’t be going shopping or meeting for brunch with our Julia. Peace be with you and your family, dear friend. You will be missed by all you touched. Love, Kathy, Chris, and Matthew
Julia Avent was nothing short of amazing during the short time we spent with her. Ann and I moved to Virginia from overseas early 2020 and had the great pleasure of working with her to find a new home. She spent months with us, always sending us updates or hottest tips while offering her personal insights on properties and economy. Her personality, patience, and genuine concern to ensure our family found the perfect home were her greatest attributes. Julia always spoke fondly of Tommy and proudly of Emma. We are blessed to have met a great person as Julia and still in shock she is not a phone call away anymore. We’d like to offer Tommy, Emma and family our deepest condolences and prayers for this great loss ?? Sincerely, Gerard and Ann Baleto
Julia joined RE/MAX West End a couple of years ago, but I think I first heard her name about 15 years ago. I remember my first conversation with her and the impression she left- matter of fact, full of integrity with incredible knowledge and an expert in her field. These past few years I got to know the Julia outside of real estate. I picture her smile and enthusiasm whenever we spoke of Emma, she loved telling the latest college and riding stories and you could feel her energy and joy. She loved telling me about her British parents and laughed at me because I missed the photo of her dad and the Queen in her house. We shared ” How to tame curly hair battles” and our love of animals . Sending love and condolences to Tommy and Emma , we are here for you.
On behalf of DeGross family, we express our condolences to the entire Avent Family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Luke and I are so sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. Our love and prayers go out to Tommy, Emma, and their family at such a difficult time.
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Julia’s passing. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Tommy, Emma and family. We will remember her fondly. Carol & Diego
I am devastated and shocked to hear of Julia’s passing. She helped me start a new chapter in my life as I moved to VA in 2020. I am thankful for her assistance and was so impressed by how hard she fought for me. She had my back and even supported me as a friend – knowing how tough being single and in a new place during the pandemic was for me. Sending my love and light to her family. I will treasure my memories of her spirit, strength, and gusto!
A memorial tree was planted in memory of the decedent.
I worked with Tommy for quite a few years. And during that time I had the privilege of meeting Julia. I found her to be an absolutely lovely person….friendly, happy and upbeat. I am saddened by her passing. My condolences to Emma and Tommy.
How can a tribute wall really tell the whole story of who Julia was? There’s just no way to contain the gigantic persona we all knew in different ways. Still, it’s only fitting that we try to share something of her to honor her life and legacy. I first spoke with Julia in April of 2013, while I was studying for my real estate exam. She had just started her own boutique brokerage, RE/MAX by invitation, and was one of the only RE/MAX brokers who was willing to take on a rookie. I was unemployed at the time and was looking for something that could be more self-directed. She took a chance on me, and, if I can be honest, I stumbled through the first 2.5 years, but as I approach my eighth year in this business, I realize that Julia is the reason that I found a career rather than a job. The thing is, Julia could always see potential in people, often more than they could see in themselves. I always was amazed in the faith she expressed in me, especially in the times where I didn’t feel it for myself. She had great instincts. But Julia wasn’t just a real estate giant or a business owner. Two years ago, we had a colleague of ours, our office manager, pass away. When she was in hospice, I would go to see her, and, without fail, Julia was either there visiting or about to walk in. It was incredible to witness. Here was this top producing, busy agent, stopping by to see the friend she knew for about three decades. One of the things that happens to me when people pass away, almost without fail, is that I lose their voice. It takes extreme effort for me to hear it again. Not Julia. I can still hear her laughing. She loved joking and smiling and laughing. Julia was a lot of things to a lot of people. Wife. Mom. Agent. Friend. It’s unbelievable to think that she’s gone.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Julia’s sudden passing. She was a thoughtful and generous . She was devoted to Emma and I loved hearing the latest stories and the intrique of the riding world. Sending my love and condolenscences to Tommy, Emma and the rest of Julia’s family.
So very sorry for your loss. Julia will surely be missed. Take care. Kevin Love
Julia always had a smile on her face. She loved to share updates on her beloved Emma and her competitions. She was a graceful and passionate woman and a consummate professional. I remember cheering with her at Washington Capitals games and working with her as CEO when she served on the NVAR Board of Directors. May her family and friends be comforted by the joy she gave to them with her presence.
Chris and I send our prayers and sympathies to Tommy and Emma and all family and friends. Our friendship goes back to the 1980’s and Sud rugby. We had many great times at the Bottom Line, Trattu, and other DC social spots. We loved going out to Westover to have dinner at Lebanese Taverna. Driving to MA for OB and Sheila’s wedding is a special memory. Our love to you.
I have wonderful memories of Julia on Pot Rock vacations and this one at the Ox Ridge horse show, where she was a gracious and enthusiastic friend. She was so open and willing to share her love of horses, dogs and most importantly, her family. You will be missed but always loved. Much love to you, Emma and Tommy.
Julia was strong, brilliant, and kind. She was the extended family we didn’t have in the area – always ready to help with anything. I am forever grateful for the roll you both have played in my life. May her memory shine bright in you and Emma. All our love to you both as you heal.
On behalf of The Heiden Family we want to express how sad we are to hear of Julia’s passing, she was very close with my husbands sister Jo Frances Heiden who passed away 18 years ago and became good friends with her while they were in college together at UVA. Julia actually sold JoFrances Heiden her first apartment in Arlington that she lived as a quadriplegic. She spent so much time looking for the perfect place for Jo Francis to live. A few weeks ago Julia actually pulled up in my driveway with a big packet of pictures and items that she and JoFrances shared and she told me she was cleaning out some old papers and ran across it and thought that my husband would like to keep this as memories of his sister. We were all miss her very much and we know she is with Joe Francis now in a better place and I know they will be together. The Heiden Family will never forget her.
I believe in Angels… that they are always hovering near, whispering encouragement whenever clouds appear, protecting us from danger and showing us the way, performing little miracles each and every-day. Yes I believe in angels because they are always watching over you and that is what you do Julia. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Our love and support, thoughts and prayers to Tommy and Emma. Love, Alicia, Vincent and Sebastian Barahona
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Julia has been a dear friend for decades and I cherish the time that we spent together with our families and friends. So many wonderful memories with Julia who was always smiling and laughing! Great times in VA and when she visited us in RI. Missing Julia so much and praying for Tommy and Emma! We’re here for you. Love, Kristin
I have such fun memories growing up with Julia. We shared a love for basketball and family. We had in the past year had talked several times on the phone about the things that mattered most to us: family, sports ( WAHOOWA) and real estate. That you for being such a wonderful friend and source of great inspiration. Thank you for sharing your beautiful gifts to the world.
When we were buying our house Julia had the most helpful, patient, and kind attitude. She was a wonderful person to be around and had such a friendly soul. May her soul rest in peace. We send our deepest condolences. We are wishing you strength during this time. -The Jallohs
I had a pleasure of meeting both Julia and Tommy at their favorite restaurant, Charlie Chiang’s in Arlington VA. We had a great time together and was impressed how passionate Julia was about her business and family. My thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and Emma. Love Amit
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
I first met Julia in a cold horse barn somewhere in the middle of Maryland as she assured me my daughter was not going to fall off that unruly horse. Of course she was right! She was right again a few years later reminding me to breath and her taking charge with a nasty spill. In between those time and for years after, I watched that can-do attitude, love of fun, outgoing, funny, cheerful, generous, mile a minute, beautiful and accomplished woman making those around her feel happy, loved, secure and special. Thank you Julia for your friendship. I will miss you but will always think of you as I watch the ISS and shooting stars go by. I know you are on one of them brightening up the night sky and hooting’ & howlerin’ along the way with a G&T in hand.
Introduced as a friend, served as our extraordinary agent. She was kind, thoughtful, and generous. Drove the 45 minutes to meet our adopted children and arrived bearing gifts, of course! And, yes, the smile. Always, her smile.
Sixteen years ago, we met the Avents when our son and Emma were three year old classmates at the County Day School. Julia, Tommy and Emma have been dear friends ever since. Julia was such a dynamic person – – fun, witty, lovely and so accomplished. She will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine brightly though her greatest accomplishment – – her precious Emma! Rest in peace dear friend. Love, Leslie, Jeff and Jeffrey
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Julia was a wonderful, accomplished woman. May she rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
So sorry to hear this news. I remember Julia and me navigating our teen years with sleepovers, movies, secrets and so much laughter. She was just so much fun to be around. Rest in peace sweet Julia and my heart goes out to her family and loved ones. Becky Bass
Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
May this tree grow strong and full…..In remembrance of Julia’s awesome real estate career & business. A true professional. With deepest sympathy.
To Tommy & Emma our sincere condolences and love. I have many Julia memories from our time at UVA and beyond. Her wedding, tailgating, reunions, beach time, visits to NYC and NYR vs Capitals games at MSG. Visits to our parents homes in C’Ville , skiing in VT and gatherings with sorority sisters. You will be missed my friend and always remembered for your smile, generosity of spirit and thoughtfulness. Rest in peace dear Julia.
I love this picture!❤️
With loving memories of “Julia Avent”,I was deeply saddened to hear of Julia’s passing. My deepest condolences to her family during this sad time.
Julia had so many professional accomplishments but her greatest source of pride was her daughter Emma. I first met Julia when I had just moved to Virginia and she helped me find a place to live. Although I already had a job, once she learned I had been a Realtor in Florida, she absolutely insisted I get my license in Virginia and come and work with her. I will always be grateful for her persistence in the way only Julia could. My deepest sympathy to Tommy, Emma, and families.
I am so very sorry for the loss of such a bright spirit, and words do not seem enough to express my sympathy. Thinking of you all.
Tommy and Emma our condolences. Julia was such a shining star! It was fun to watch Grant and Emma grow up together. Julia, you will be so missed!
Dear Tommy and Emma, My heart is broken for you – and your entire family. I will always remember Julia’s smile. Holding you close to my heart. Lisa DuBois
Rest in peace my beautiful friend. XXXOOOO
We were very sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Tommy, Emma, and the rest of your family as you grieve this terrible loss.
Tommy, Cook and I were so very sorry to hear the news of Julia’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you, Emma and the entire extended family. I will always remember those many mornings together at the bus stop in Arlington. Without question, Emma was her pride and joy! We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. xo, Kelly and Cook
Emma and Tommy: we are so sorry for your loss.
I was very sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. She was so helpful to me when I purchased my first home many years ago. My deepest sympathy to Tommy, Emma, and all the members of her family.
Tommy, Emma, Family – Whitney and I were so sad to hear of Julia’s passing. We feel blessed by the talents, patience, and warmth of your family. With love and sympathy – Brendan & Whitney
I am so saddened to learn of Julia’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am on staff at NVAR and had the pleasure of working with Julia over the years. She was a very vibrant and intelligent woman. I will make a contribution to AFSP in her memory. It is so important. I lost my husband in 2009. A great resource was Haven of Northern Virginia where I was able to meet with a small group who had been through something similar. Hold dear the wonderful memories you have. I know Julia was a wonderful wife and mother. Mary Beth Coya
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife and Emma’s mother. You are both in my prayers. ??