Julie Eastman

Deeply loved, Julie will be profoundly missed by the many lives she touched over the years, including the wonderful family she leaves behind. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI on July 31, 1951, and at birth was diagnosed with a heart condition that doctors said would not allow her to survive childhood. Her love of ice cream was born as her dad spoiled her rotten in her early years as her family worried about her health. Many nights, her sisters would beg her to ask for ice cream because they knew that pa could not say no to Julie. In 1961, she was one of the youngest patients to receive an open-heart operation, at that time a groundbreaking and risky procedure that saved her life. In grade school, she met her best friend, Karen O'Brien (Gable) who she loved and enjoyed so many countless vacations, parties, outings over the years and right up until this last Super Bowl. On June 9, 1957, Julie met the love of her life and soulmate, Tom Eastman, when they were sophomores in high school - true high school sweethearts. They married on August 12,1972 and had fifty-two wonderful married years together. Tom was her constant companion and faithful caregiver these last several years and is a true testament to their wedding vows. Tom was also the person that introduced Julie to the Catholic faith, which she converted to prior to their wedding, and her faith grew and guided her all her life. Julie was a dental hygienist for over 43 years at the dental practices of Dr. Smiley, Dr. Wolfe, Drs. Kanouse & Kroph, and Dr. Cilia. Often over dinners at home, she would talk about her patients and co-workers as if they were family. Julie was also a special mom to Kyle and Katey, who supported and cheered her girls on in everything they did. She loved taking the girls shopping, to movies, and out to lunch and just spending time whenever possible. She was always there to listen and provide advice. She was so excited when their family of four expanded to include her wonderful sons-in-law, Tom and Tim. She would often say what a joy it was to be a grandma or nana to the four loves of her life, her beautiful grandchildren- Grace, Avery, Reed, and Macie. Her love and dedication to them never wavered, shown as she attended every sports game and other activities. Julie realized her true calling in life the second she met her first grandchild: to spoil them as much as she could. From thoughtful gifts to quality time, she never failed to put a smile on their faces. Julie deeply loved her extended family which included all of her friends. She lived such a full life doing the things she loved which included traveling, golfing, time at the cottage, winters in Fort Myers Beach, tailgating at GVSU football games, card game parties, and dinners out with friends. Julie embraced life and fun. Julie described her journey with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) as her cross to bear and she fought hard to never let it define or limit her despite the fact that so little is known about the disease and the many physical difficulties it presented. She continued to live her life as she did before, and Tom made sure of it. The family would like to thank the medical and care professionals that supported Julie in her PSP journey, especially Lea, Kerry and Tina. As well as Jen who was an angel for my mom and dad in this last year. Julie Eastman, age 72, died peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, February 15, 2024, and was welcomed with loving arms by her God. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Adeline (Jo) Kolehouse, her half-sister, Barb (Bernie) Judd, her father- and mother-in law, Carl and Frances Eastman, her beloved nephew, Wesley Wolosecky Jr., and her infant granddaughter, Stella Lyn Wilson. She will be forever missed by her family including her husband, Tom; her daughters: Kyle (Tom) Wilson and Katey (Tim) Dommenick, her grandchildren: Grace Wilson, Avery Wilson, Reed Dommenick and Macie Dommenick, her three sisters: Gene Barr, Mary (Stan) Brzozowski, and Tammie (Wes) Wolosecky; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday February 21, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Her family will receive visitors Tuesday February 20, 2024 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW Walker MI 49534. A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 8:00 pm at the funeral home In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following charities: Nephcure: Nephcure.org (Proceeds support research for rare kidney diseases in honor of Julie's grandson Reed). Kirk Gibson Foundation: kirkgibsonfoundation.org (She was an enthusiast member of a Big & Loud therapy class that was underwritten)

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Julie Eastman

July 31, 1951 - February 15, 2024