Julianna Finn Mannino

Dr. Julianna Marie Walker Finn Mannino of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Born November 20, 1936, she passed at the age of 86 years old.
Survived by her husband Sam Mannino of 26 years of Royal Oak. Beloved Mother to five Children, Don, (Ellen), Chris (Petra), Matt (Elizabeth), Mary Kay, Greg (Anne) and Ten Grandchildren, and 2 Great Grandchildren. Also, beloved stepmother to Kara (David), Greg (Trina), Marca (Charles), Lea (Keith), Dana (Steve), Sara. Plus 10 additional grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren from Sam's family.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Don Finn who passed away in 1977. Also preceded were her parents, Nobert and Kathleen Walker of Detroit and her brother James who died in 1936. Julianna survived by her siblings, William (Pat) Walker, Kathy Walker, Martha (Jerry) Klemmer, and Joseph (Mary) Walker. Also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
She grew up on the East side of Detroit and went to Servite High School. She was Valedictorian of her class at Servite in 1954. After high school, Julianna attended Nurse training at Mount Carmel Hospital earning her RN degree in 1957.
After her first husband passed, Julianna went back to school at Wayne State and worked hard to achieve her Masters, then PHD in Nursing. Julianna then became a Professor of Nursing at Oakland Community College for over 20 years at the Highland Lakes campus. She trained a generation of Nurses during her time at Oakland Community College. She was known as a challenging professor academically, but kind and fair to her students.
Julianna was also a Nurse volunteer at Mother's and Unborn Baby Care for over 25 years. This organization helped young pregnant women with pre-natal care, baby clothing, baby cribs, shelter and even employment. She conducted thousands of ultrasounds and prenatal care with these young women with the hope of convincing them to keep their pregnancy. She was a strong advocate for the unborn her entire life and believed in protecting the Sanctity of Life. She was able to save many children due to her efforts.
Julianna and Sam are longtime members of Shrine of the Little Flower Parish in Royal Oak for over 60 years. Julianna and Sam raised their children at Shrine and all 11 children attended Shrine schools. She loved gardening and was a Master Gardner, always had several gardens at her houses. She even designed and built two gardens, one at Shrine Church and the other at St. Vincent DePaul honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. She had a very strong Catholic faith and remained a dedicated servant to others through her many charitable causes. She also loved to travel, having taken many cruises with Sam to Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. She loved nothing better than sitting in the sun or the beach and reading a good book.
Julianna especially loved spending time with her Ten grandchildren. She was known affectionately as "Finn Ma" by all her grandchildren. They remember having special adventures with Finnma searching for "wonderful things" at her house on Square Lake. She lived a rich full life and we are so blessed to call her our mother. She was an amazing person, always a bright light, she taught us everything, and we are richer for Julianna being with us all for 86 years. She is at peace in Heaven watching over us all now.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 3-8pm with a Rosary service at 7pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in-state at 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10am, at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 12 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://shrinechurch.com/ for those who cannot attend in person. Memorial contributions to Mother and Unborn Baby Care, 24500 Southfield Rd., Southfield 48075 are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.