Julie Beggs was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 3, 1947.  Her father, Anthony Wilk, was a Tool and Die maker.  He was practical but humorous and was 100% Polish.  He was a hard worker and helped to raise the children.  Her mother, Irene Fitzwilliams was a homemaker.  Irene was an only child who longed to travel and see the world.  

During Julie’s childhood, the family lived in a close knit, blue-collar area of Detroit, MI.  Her parents and siblings called the apartment above Grandpa Frank and Grandma Frances their home.  Her father had just gotten out of the service and her grandparents helped them get on their feet.  Grandma Frances was like a second mother to her.  

Eventually, Julie’s family moved to Garden City, when she was about 5 years old.  Their neighborhood was full of children who were always around and eager to play with her and her siblings.  In another 10 years, the family would move to a new home only a few streets away.  

Julie grew up watching and studying her grandmother.  She learned to cook traditional Eastern European food and would help her grandmother as she cleaned houses.  She and her family attended Mass together on Sundays.  She spent time with her siblings and had fun playing outdoors with them.  She kept busy playing with dolls and her mother’s Chihuahuas that she raised.  She was best friends with Trudy and ended up spending a lot of time with her and her family at their home.

As Julie’s family dynamics shifted, she grew up fast.  She attended Garden City High School and at the age of 14, she met Bill.  Bill played in the school band with Julie’s brother and didn’t realize she was David’s little sister when they first met. Bill also played in a band outside of school. Julie enjoyed watching him perform.  The two loved to go to dances and eat out at places such as the Coney Island.   Julie and Bill were married on July 4, 1964 at the home of the Justice of the Peace in Plymouth.  The reception was held at her father’s house.  Bobbi was born the following November.  The next year, in 1965, Julie graduated from high school.

When the couple was first married, they lived with Julie’s father in Garden City.  Their second child, Bill, was born during this time. They stayed for a few years before they were able to move to their own small starter home in Westland.  They welcomed their daughter, Angie, into this home.

The family moved in with Grandma Bessie while Bill built his first home for the family in Commerce Township.  The family only lived in Commerce for a year as the distance from the surrounding family was far and Julie had decided to pursue a nursing degree. The family moved back in with Bessie while Bill built his next house in Garden City.  This location allowed Julie to attend Madonna University and earn a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.  She attended school during the day and at night. She studied late at night when the kids were in bed so she could spend time with her family. She often fell asleep in the bathtub while studying. The children never realized at the time how much she sacrificed for the family. Julie worked as a nurse for over 20 years, primarily at Botsford, in intensive care, cardiac care, and later in surgical recovery. Julie made many close friends throughout her career.  She had several friends who continued to check in on her throughout her illness and Muriel was a frequent visitor to their home. Julie  truly loved her work. Their last move was to their current home in Plymouth.

Julie and Bill had three children—Roberta, William and Angela.  They had wanted more children, but after Angela was born, they decided to keep their family of 5.  

Julie was a wonderful mother who put her children and family first.  She worked hard and often took double shifts.  She did this so that her children could have what they needed, including a proper education from private schools to college for all three kids.  She stayed very involved and passed on family traditions.

As an adult and mother, she learned a lot from Bill’s mother, Bessie.  She began canning, sewing and gardening.  She passed on her talent in canning and sewing.  Her children often had friends over and their house was the popular hangout where there was always a welcoming atmosphere.  She was a hockey mom who watched and cheered at all of her children’s games.  

Julie and Bill enjoyed traveling.  They loved Jekyll Island and Savannah, Georgia.  They stayed in their favorite bed and breakfast, Brookside Inn, in Beula, MI several times. They took a family trip to Florida where they visited old friends and stopped at Disney World.  Other trips to Florida were to Clearwater Beach. Julie and Bill took a road trip and traveled to the East Coast for a three week get away where they visited the Ivy League campuses and went antiquing.  They made it to Prince Edward Island and saw the Anne of Green Gables home, a high point of the trip for Julie.  

Julie made time to cross-stitch, quilt, read, cook, can and bake.  She continued gardening and took pride in her impressive vegetable and a flower garden.  Bill enjoyed gardening, too and it was a common hobby.  Julie remained religious, being raised Catholic and then attending Baptist Church while her family was young. After the children started at Catholic schools Julie returned to her Catholic roots.  

Julie’s greatest joys in life were her grandchildren.  She was blessed with six beautiful grandkids—Anna, Kathleen, Luke, Nathan, Jack and Caroline.  Julie finally did get to see her first grandchild but it was as her illness was beginning.  She was limited on her time and ability to fully enjoy them.  She would have loved being fully immersed in their lives. In those first years she was still able to play and read with them.  

Julie had major surgery for scoliosis, which ended up being a traumatic event.  During the surgery, lack of oxygen and fluids appeared to bring on early Alzheimer Disease.

She was diagnosed with slow, but progressive Alzheimer’s in her early 50’s and Bill was able to care for her in their home as the illness progressed.  Later, Bill had caregivers come into their home to help keep her comfortable and in her familiar environment.  Betsy was a loving caregiver during the last 12 years of Julie’s illness. Arbor Hospice helped to keep Julie comfortable and offered many services during her last few years. Julie remained kind and generous despite the disease.

Julie was positive and encouraging.  She was thoughtful and always loved to give special gifts to Bill, her children, and her grandchildren. Many people may not have known Julie was at times silly and had a great sense of humor because she was also a bit shy. But, she did, and she had a contagious laugh. She loved to pull pranks and play practical jokes, especially on Bill. She pulled the ultimate practical joke on Bill her last day on Earth because November 29th was his 71st birthday. She probably wanted to make sure he wouldn’t forget about her.  She will be remembered saying to her son Bill, “I’m gonna get the wooden spoon!” and to her husband Bill, “When are you going to get a real job?” and to all the kids, “When am I going to have grandchildren?” If someone was upset, she was sad.  If someone was happy, she shared their joy. She will be remembered for her kind soul.

Julie Beggs passed away on November 29, 2016 at the age of 69.  She was beloved wife of Bill for 52 years. She was the dear mother of Bobbi (Vance) Rykard, Bill (Karen) and Angie (Brian) Fraser. She was the loving nana of Anna, Kathleen, Luke, Nathan, Jack and Caroline.

Julie’s life will be celebrated at the funeral  on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 11 am at McCabe Funeral Home in Canton, MI. Visiting will take place on Monday, December 5 from 2 pm to 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.