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BORN
1926
DIED
2021
Julia Townsend Obituary
Julia A. Townsend, born October 27, 1926 in South Bend, Indiana, of Bellevue, Michigan died peacefully at home on March 25, 2021, surrounded by her children.
Julia and her husband, Harold, came to Bellevue in 1945 where they enjoyed lifelong friends and built and operated the Main Street Cafe. They later moved their business to Charlotte, and operated the Charlotte Cafe and later the Townsend's Restaurant & Lounge.
Julia bought her Harley Davidson motorcycle at 18 and was the first female member of the Kalamazoo Bike Club. Julia loved her family, biking, reading, mushroom hunting, the beach, gambling, and traveling, which she did a lot with Harold after retiring from the restaurant business. Their love and kindness and sense of fun drew many kids in the community to them for guidance. She was hard working, smart, and had incredible wit. She was a devoted wife and friend to many, including her children and grandchildren, and first pick for a euchre partner right till the end.
Survivors include her five children and their spouses, Michael Townsend (Carol) of Towanda, IL, Patricia Townsend of Bellevue, MI, Barbara Burkett (David) of Bellevue, MI, Mary White (Mark) of Bellevue, MI, and Martha Limauro (Michael) of Charlotte, MI. Grandchildren, Steven Townsend (Lynnsey), Samantha Fritzen (Tyler), Garry Burkett (Joanne), Rebecca Crum (Brian), Kristina Hine (Denver), Courtney Levigne (Joe), Robert Limauro, Jacob Bloomhuff (Taylor), Chloe Byington (Brent), and Lucas T. Limauro; and 12 great-grandchildren, Carley, Presley, Owen, Bryce, Logan, Julia, Sophia, Hudson, Finley, Aisley, Giavanna and Bronson.
Julia A. Townsend, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt will be missed. Private family funeral to be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 East Jackson Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julia Townsend
5 Entries
Jeff Otto
April 8, 2021
To Mike and the girls- your mother and dad will always hold a very special place in my heart. They opened their home and their hearts to Mike’s friends and became a beloved source of life guidance to us. I have many fond memories of the times spent at the Townsend house as I attended Bellevue High. I will always treasure those great memories that Harold and Julie were a large part of. I will miss but never forget. Jeff Otto
Wendy Page-Echols
April 5, 2021
Condolences to the whole family. It is hard to lose such a beautiful soul who has kept the family together with her heart. Now begins the work of us expanding our hearts to take care of all of the others. Love and Blessings to you all during this difficult transition. Peace.
Cathy cuddahee
April 5, 2021
The best loved aunt ever, will be missed dearly. Love to the whole family.
Joanne Nanninga
April 5, 2021
In the late 60’s and until mid 70’s we lived two doors down from the Townsend’s. I think us Mathias kids spent as much time at their house as at our own. Harold and Julie were always welcoming to the neighborhood kids and adults alike. She was an amazing woman and will be missed, even if I’ve not seen her in years. Love to the family,
Joanne (Mathias) Nanninga
Todd Greenfield
April 3, 2021
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.
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