For Julia Ann Dumaw, nothing in life was more satisfying than to ease the burdens of those in need. With her caring heart and generous spirit, Julia was loving to everyone, and never met a stranger. A sincere, loving woman, Julia found great joy in caring for others, from strangers to her children and grandchildren. A loving mother, wife, and friend, Julia was truly blessed, and was a blessing to many.

Julia’s story begins in 1942, just months after the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. With a second world war already under way in Europe, the United States was now preparing to enter the war itself. The nation, shocked by the attacks, was now facing a time of conflict and fear. But for Richard and Goldie (Meeker) Thorstenson, the year 1942 was one of joy and anticipation as they, along with their two children, prepared their

home for the birth of a new child. One spring day, on May 15, 1942, they welcomed home a new bundle of joy, a baby girl they named Julia Ann.

Julia spent a happy childhood in Lake City and Muskegon, Michigan. Already the third child in her family, Julia soon found herself the older sister to six more siblings as well. She was very close to her brothers and sisters, Burnetta, Richard, Neal, Daniel, Janice, Melanie, Benjamin and Lorna, and the family enjoyed spending time together. Julia’s father, Richard, supported the family’s financial needs by working as a cabinet maker. Meanwhile,

her mother, Goldie, worked as a housewife to create a loving home for her family. Julia enjoyed going to church with her family on Sunday mornings, and always looked forward to going to the movies on Sunday afternoons as well. Julia attended the Muskegon Heights schools,

where she enjoyed playing clarinet in the school band, attending bible club and bowling. In the year 1960, Julia proudly received her diploma, and graduated with her class from Muskegon Heights High School.

Soon, Julia became the proud mother to three children herself, Richard, Michael, and Mark

Harper. She loved her family dearly, and enjoyed taking yearly trips to Copper Harbor and Lake City together. Julia was a wonderful cook, and could throw a wonderful meal together whenever she had a visitor. On Sunday nights, the family always enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner, and Friday nights were reserved for ice cream. Julia also loved camping at Crooked Lake, where she and her family fished and played pool and shuffle board together.

When Julia was 37 years old, she met a man named Lester Dumaw at Lakeside Eagles. The two hit it off instantly, but unfortunately lost track of each other over the course of time. After 4 or 5 years had passed, Lester saw Julia singing at Bob Hi, and fell right back in love with her. The two decided to get married, and on June 30, 1990, Julia became Mrs. Lester Dumaw.

Throughout her life, Julia worked at several places, including Dunkin Donuts, JcPenney, Radio Shack, Open Kitchen and King Roofing. While Julia enjoyed her jobs, her true passion could be found in helping those in need by providing food and clothing donations. She put her passion to use by working at several food pantries and clothing ministries. Julia always had a special place in her heart for helping babies in need, and worked at many baby related ministries as well. With her generous heart, Julia gave over 100,000 pounds of food over the past ten years. Julia’s husband, Lester, was a great help in her ministries as well. Often, at 9 or 10 in the evening, Julia would ask Lester to pack a box of food from the basement to feed four or five people. They would then hop in their vehicle and deliver the food. Those touched by Julia’s generosity were ever grateful, and often Julia would be shown their empty

fridges or pantry shelves.

As Julia’s children grew older and had kids of their own, she was thrilled to

become a grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandkids, and enjoyed doing all sorts of activities with them, from baking and shopping to hunting for

worms and fishing. With her kind, loving personality,

Julia had the perfect grandmotherly

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personality, and every child she met would call her Grandma Julia. A hard worker, Julia retired just one month before going home to be with God. She kept busy right up until she entered

ICU, and had kept busy doing laundry until 2:00 AM two nights before, making sure that everything that got donated to the needy was clean. Julia passed away on Friday, October 1, 2010.

Those who knew Julia knew that she was a caring, sincere woman who loved her family and took great joy in helping others. With her selfless, giving spirit and her genuine generosity, Julia touched countless lives throughout her lifetime. A loving wife, caring mother and wonderful friend, Julia will continue to be treasured forever by those she loved. She will be dearly missed.

Julia is survived by her husband, Lester; sons, Richard (Sherri) Harper, Michael (Sheryl) Harper, Mark (Dawn) Harper; 6 step-children; 16 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; mother, Goldie Daul; siblings, . Neal (Frances) Thorstenson, Daniel Thorstenson, Melanie Cox, Benjamin Thorstenson, Lori Potter; several nieces, nephews, cousins & extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, siblings, Burnetta, Richard & Janice and granddaughter, Alyssa.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, 1:00 PM at Lakes Community Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Dave Cadle officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at the church. Memorials can be made to her family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you may leave a memory or sign the online guest book.