Julia McKellop (Blackwell) Papen

Julia McKellop Papen, nee Blackwell, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, in Ridgefield, CT, at the age of 102 years old. She leaves a legacy of love, adventure, and devotion to family. Born in Hackensack, NJ on February 15, 1924, Julia spent most of her life in Tenafly, NJ where she and her younger sister, Jayne Blackwell Ambrosy, were raised. Her father Elmer A. E. Blackwell, who also grew up in Tenafly, was a prominent civil engineer, and her mother, Julia Corson Blackwell, was a registered nurse. Julia built a life rich in friendships, family traditions, and community connections.

Julia graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Interior Design where she cultivated her creativity and lifelong appreciation for fashion and the arts. She was well known for her vogue style of dress. She also found great joy in creative activities such as sewing, painting and gardening and won numerous prizes for her artwork over the years. During the summer, Julia enjoyed time spent in Southampton, NY, where she forged treasured memories hosting family and friends. Her noted community involvement included decades of participation in the Tenafly Women’s Club and Tenafly Garden Club. She organized numerous Toys for Tots gift drives and was a long-standing member of Eastern Star. She was a woman of unfiltered humor, and boundless energy.

Julia was widowed twice during her long and remarkable life. Her first marriage was to Guy Earl McKellop, Jr. in 1946 lasting 28 years and later to Robert L. Papen. Above all else, she was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Heather McKellop Chagaris and Keith B. McKellop and predeceased by her daughter Kimberleigh McKellop Smith. Additionally, she has ten grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren plus many friends who will remember her energy, humor, creativity and love of family.

Having lived through more than a century of history and change, Julia remained resilient, independent, and engaged in the world around her. Her life was marked by a feisty determination, and a deep love for those closest to her. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a later time.  Donations may be made to The Seeing Eye, or a charity of your choice.