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Julia Roy Obituary
JULIA DONNELLE (NEE BALLEW) Born December 12, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on August 11, 2016 to the strains of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five." Surrounded by her loved ones, Julia's passion for family, music, art, food, and civic causes was celebrated as she moved into a life without bodily pain. Born at the Army base at Historic Fort Wayne, Julia grew up in several communities in southern Michigan, graduating from Athens High School. She attended nursing school at Marion County General Hospital, Indianapolis, and immediately began her nursing career at Northville State Psychiatric in 1957. After a four month courtship that began at a ski weekend in Snow Valley she married Earl Francis "The Captain" Roy on July 14, 1962. While raising her children, she finished her BSN degree at Wayne State University. She subsequently worked at the Lafayette Clinic, Harper Hospital, the Young Adult Institute, and St. Joseph Mercy in Ypsilanti, where she retired in 2002. After a psychiatric nursing career of over 40 years, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to volunteerism, the arts, her family, and (most particularly) her grandchildren. She could be found at Planned Parenthood, the American Red Cross, darkened theaters, music recitals and concerts, Jazz Festivals, crew regattas, field hockey games, ice hockey rinks, basketball courts, lacrosse fields, and volleyball matches. No birthday or anniversary was unmarked, and her daily readings yielded clippings and remembrances enclosed with personal notes to friends and family alike. She embraced life at its fullest, enamored with all forms of artistic expression — teaching us all to find joy in every nook and corner. She is survived by Earl "Bud" Roy, Rob and Adele, Matt and Tricia, James and Yvonne, Tina and Eric; grandchildren Daniel, Alexus, Griffin, Elizabeth, TJ, Casey, Maddie, and Lucie; great grand-daughter Nalaha. A true celebration of Julia's life will take place at Wolverine State Brewing Company, 2019 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please VOTE! Please visit her online guestbook
www.cremationmichigan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julia Roy
Linda Johnson
August 12, 2022
Having just learned of your parents deaths, you have my deepest sympathies. Both myself and Austin have so many happy memories of being with your dynamic family over the years. I know you must all miss them deeply.
Francis Downey
August 26, 2016
To Bud, Rob & Adele, Matt & Tricia, James & Yvonne: Please accept my condolences on your loss of Julia. I have many happy memories of when my brother, Erroll, and I visited you in Detroit in summer'73 and at the cottage.
Evan Chambers and Suzanne Camino
August 24, 2016
We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Bud and to all of Julia's family. We will be thinking of you in this time of grief.
Nick Ehrlich
August 17, 2016
My sincerest sympathies to Matt, Rob and the entire Roy family.
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Pamela Meisel
August 14, 2016
My deepest sympathies to Bud and all the Roy family. Julia was a remarkable woman and true intellect. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sheila Greenough
August 13, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Eeta Gershow
August 13, 2016
She was a wonderful friend and I will miss her every day.
The White Family
August 13, 2016
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Roy family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope and endure this difficult time
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