The story of her life
Affectionately known as Sister Awura Adjoa by some and Auntie Julie by others, Madam Juliana Awula Adjoa Vanderpuije was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and boundless grace. She was born on July 31, 1933 at Zongo Lane in the Greater Accra Region, to Mr. J. E. Vanderpuije and Madam Emma Kwakai Quartey, both of blessed memory — the second child of her mother, raised surrounded by love, faith, and strong family values.
Juliana began her education at Accra Royal School, and Bishop Girls' School, earning her Standard Seven Leaving Certificate before joining the Government Printing Press (later reorganized as the Ghana Publishing Corporation) where she worked diligently and rose through the ranks to become a supervisor. It was there that she met her future partner, Mr. Gottwalt Kwami. In time, she resigned to focus fully on raising her growing family — a role she embraced with deep love and devotion. A devout Anglican, she didn't just practice her faith, she lived it — serving the Anglican Womens Fellowship, Cathedral branch for decades including as Diocesan Vice president, and finally National Treasurer of the Anglican Women's Fellowship.
Juliana was also an enterprising woman with many talents — running a confectionery business known for her cakes, bread, and pastries, and finding joy in gardening, sewing, and storytelling. Elegant and humble, she had a calming presence that comforted everyone around her, and a home that was a sanctuary open to family, friends, and strangers alike. One year on, her family carries her legacy forward — in the lives she touched, the faith she modeled, and the love she gave without measure.
