Julie Ann Rivard

Julie Ann Rivard, of Kenockee Township, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Lake Huron Medical Center, Port Huron.
She was born in Detroit the daughter of the late Eugene and Gertrud (Göets) Zielinski.
Her marriage to David John Rivard was on September 11, 1982, at St. Basil Catholic Church, East Detroit.
Julie was a former parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Emmett, and St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Capac, where she sang with the choir and was a part-time cantor. Julie grew up in East Detroit and was a 1970 East Detroit High School graduate. Julie continued her education at Wayne State University, earning her bachelor of science in education degree.
Julie moved to Kenockee Township in 1988, where she raised her family and over the years had horses, sheep, ducks and a male peacock. Julie worked at Sears for ten years before retiring in 2006. She volunteered her time during the holidays with Meals on Wheels and used her talents in repairing local church statues when needed. Julie enjoyed drawing, painting, and ceramics, and was a talented artist with beautiful handwriting. Most of all, Julie loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to David, her husband of 41 years, are two children, Natalie (Steven) Brinkey of Clyde Township and Nicholas (Emily) Rivard of Wales Township; four grandchildren, Corbin and Sabrina Brinkey and Ellie and Autumn Rivard; a brother, Douglas (Traci) Zielinski of St. Clair, as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends.
She is preceded in death by Donald and Kenneth Zielinski.
The family honors the memory of Julie and invite you to visit and share memories Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Yale, with the memorial service to follow at noon. Pastor Laurie Koivula will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to Paws with a Cause of Royal Oak or Food for the Poor Inc., Florida.
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