Julie A. Johnson

Julia A. Johnson (known as Julie to those who loved her) died peacefully at Kairos Dwelling hospice home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She passed early the morning of September 14, 2026, after suffering a stroke ten days earlier.

She was 94 years old. Julie was born on July 28,1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Bert J. Cole (born Umberto Cobianchi in Caserta, Italy) and Alice (Marley) Cole. She grew up in St. Clair Shores and graduated from Lakeview High School before going on to earn a nursing diploma from Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing and Hygiene. Julie married Robert (Bob) G. Johnson on his birthday in 1952. The two had known each other since kindergarten and were married for 65 years until his passing in 2018. Julie and Bob lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan for a short time before moving to Clarkston, Michigan to raise the family.

While raising four children, she completed her BS and MS in nursing. Her career varied from pediatrics, vocational school training instructor, and labor and delivery nurse. She wrapped up her career as a Nurse Practitioner in Bend, Oregon.

Julie was energetic, full of life and always on the go, including playing bridge three times a week until the stroke. In addition to cards, she had numerous interests that connected her to friends and family. Some of these included hiking (the Grand Canyon five times), travel, her Macintosh user group, bible study, and genealogy.

Family was everything to her; she always wanted the best for them. It is not surprising that during retirement she made time to research and connect to her Italian roots that are descendants of her grandfather, Edigio Cobianchi. She also considered Marcelo, an exchange student during the 70’s, as her Brazilian son.

During retirement Julie and Bob divided their time between Michigan, Oregon and Arizona. She traveled extensively, even after Bob passed, always making new friends and connections along the way. She loved to help others by volunteering at hospitals, estate sales and Habitat for Humanity.

Julie was a force. When she set her mind to something, she was focused and determined. She lived her life to the fullest every day.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Irene Housey, son Brian, and infant daughter Virginia. She is survived by her children: Sandy Johnson Barts (Ken), Ken Johnson (Tracy), and Elaine Featherstone (John). Julie will also be remembered by her six grandchildren; Rob (Eryn), Virginia, Justin (Jenny), Jarred (Andrea), Sarah (Enrico) and Adam (Linda); her four great- grandchildren: Olive, Natalie, Noah and Madelynn and several nieces and a nephew. Julie is also survived by her “new baby” of the family, Ginger, a mini goldendoodle.

A celebration of life for Julie will be held at the Richland Area Community Center in Richland Michigan on Monday, October 19th, starting at 12 noon. A separate private memorial will be held in Bend, Oregon. Memorial donations may be made to Kairos Dwelling https://www.kairosdwelling.com/donate.

Personal messages for the family and memories of Julie may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.