Juliet Edith Port

Juliet’s loved ones are devastated by her unexpected and untimely loss. She had exceptional talent, compassion, curiosity, and energy, and these qualities led her to explore many professional, athletic, and artistic pursuits. With her outgoing and supportive nature, she made countless friends and positively impacted so many lives along the way.

Juliet graduated from Bloomington High School South in 1993 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University in 1997. Following in her father’s footsteps, she joined the Peace Corps, toughing out a challenging placement in rural Mongolia. She went on to a successful career as a Licensed Professional Geologist, where she specialized in soil and groundwater contamination and remediation. She was a geologist for the State of Indiana for 6 years. Juliet’s last job involved road and bridge building, including advising the location of the I69 Bridge over the Ohio River. Her fascination with rocks, minerals, and geologic processes was infectious, and she volunteered at schools and the State Fair, helping to teach children and the public about the importance of caring for our earth and water systems.

Through her love of contra dancing, Juliet met her soulmate, Christopher Reading, and they married in 2011. Christopher describes Juliet as his ‘make-it-happen beautiful best friend and wife.’ Together, they built a life of adventure and connection. They traveled to every continent but Antarctica in pursuit of Juliet’s goal to visit every tectonic plate; bicycled, danced, and volunteered all over their city; developed a large and tight-knit friend group; and filled their stunning Fountain Square home with color and pattern through Juliet’s handmade draperies and quilts. An avid musician, Juliet sang for many years with the Indianapolis Women’s Choir and played her upright base at hootenannies, dance camps, and family gatherings.

A natural athlete, she began competitive swimming in high school and remained a dedicated swimmer all her life. She rose most work days before dawn to bike to the Natatorium and swim with the Indy Aquatic Masters. In 2010, she didn't just win the 10K Open Water National Championship for her age group, she won it by over four minutes. Her team mates remember her for her unfailing kindness and good humor, but also for her stamina and drive, as she was known for swimming repeat 400 IMs during practice. This past summer, Juliet completed re-certification as a lifeguard so that she could volunteer for the Olympic final trials being held in Indianapolis in 2024. She also enjoyed skiing in Utah with her brother, niece, and nephew.

Juliet will always be remembered with love by her parents, Diane and Bob Port; her older brother Nicholas, his wife Cynthia, and their children Ada and Jasper; her identical twin sister, Cynthia Florence Port (Cindy); Chris’ parents, Rosie and Van Reading; and a long list of deeply saddened Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and extended family. Cindy and Juliet loved and embraced their twinship, attending Twins Days festivals and delighting in tricking friends and teachers by switching clothing and pretending to be each other! They spoke nearly daily and had a depth of connection that only very close twins can understand. Juliet also had a sweet spot for Shih Tzu pups, and Benji and Otto are now missing the person who spoiled them the most.

It seems impossible to say goodbye to such a force of nature and goodness. There are few human beings as dynamic as Juliet was, and fewer still who so steadfastly encouraged everyone to live their best lives right alongside her. Her life was guided by inclusivity and justice, beauty and action, optimism and connection. She lit up a room with her smile and sarcastic wit, and never turned down the chance to make and wear a fun costume or beautiful dress. For the remainder of our life journeys, we will all take parts of Juliet with us, inspiring us to live as fully and as joyfully and she did.

A Service of Memory and Celebration will be held at 4:00 pm on December 28, 2023, in the Fountain Square Theater, 1105 Prospect Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46203, followed by a reception. Friends are welcome to gather or drop in for coffee beginning at 3:00 pm.

The 4:00 pm service will be streamed at: https://iu.zoom.us/j/85947147970

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the “Juliet Port Memorial” via this link at the South East Neighborhood Development: https://www.sendcdc.org/donate. Click the “My donation is for” box and select her memorial. Juliet was very involved in the Pleasant Run Committee in the Reconnecting Our Waterways (ROW) effort, and we will create a memorial to her along the greenway bicycling/walking trail that friends and loved ones can visit.

Neptune Society is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/juliet-port-11581165.