Julie Parisot

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Julie Parisot lived life to the fullest while holding her loved ones near. She was resourceful and independent, the sort of person who wasn’t afraid to take matters into her own hands at times. A devoted wife and mother, Julie certainly took these roles to heart, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother. She was always rather spirited, and she only became all the more spunky later in life as she was forever keeping people on their toes. Intelligent, caring, and selfless, Julie made a significant impact in the lives of her family and friends. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

It was great to be an American during the 1920s. Innovation led to technology that transformed the way we lived our daily lives, and things like radios, refrigerators, and cars that were mass produced on assembly lines were among some of the most noteworthy. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1928 when Julie was welcomed into the world by her parents, Peter and Frances, on January 28, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan. Julie was the third of six children to be raised in a house on Littlefield Street joined by her older sisters, Millie and Ann, and her younger siblings, Catherine, John, and Ron. Julie’s parents were born in Yugoslavia, and she learned to make various Hungarian dishes from her mother. Her father worked for Dodge Brothers while her mother was a homemaker who also was a line worker during WWII in the early forties. Very attractive and weighing in at 110 pounds, Julie was always dressed very nicely. The only problem with that was that she had to keep her clothes locked up so her sisters wouldn’t wear them!

Throughout her life Julie was a hard worker. As a young woman she worked as an addressograph operator, prior to getting married. Later on, Julie worked in the bakery at Hudson’s Department Store, which was great since she was able to regularly bring home various treats. She also worked as a medical aide in hospitals and assisted living facilities intermittently throughout her working years as well.

There was never anything of greater importance to Julie than her family. New and exciting changes were in store for her when she met the young man of her dreams through a friend. His name was Walter Parisot, and it wasn’t long after meeting that they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Julie and Walter were married on June 28, 1951. Together they were blessed with the births of three children, Debra, Rick, and Lesli. She was a devoted mother who fully immersed herself in caring for the needs of her children. As a family they enjoyed visits to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and since they had a pool their home was always the place to be when people got together. Julie enjoyed making many Hungarian dishes including canning Hungarian peppers with her mother. The peppers were so strong, that while preparing them, they needed masks and gloves because of the strong fumes. In addition, she made homemade ketchup with Walter for years. When grandchildren came along, Julie was very active in their lives. In fact, she helped watch them while their parents worked at times. The grandchildren have fond memories of making homemade breadcrumbs with her using the “bread crumb crumber”.

All who knew Julie would agree that she was truly one of a kind. She was independent and not afraid of just taking care of what needed to be done. There was the time that she bought a china cabinet and to get it home she, by herself, mounted it on top of her car and drove it home. Another time she thought a television set looked better without the legs, so instead of informing anyone, she sawed them off herself. There was also the time that Julie had an awning installed since she had always wanted one, which left Walter to pass right by his own house since he didn’t recognize it! She also dragged a couch downstairs all on her own since she decided she liked it there better. Julie enjoyed watching old movies and watched several game shows, and it has been said that she could win any game show she ever went on.

Among her favorite television shows were Golden Girls and Dancing With the Stars. It has been said that Julie was always a bit mischievous, but this was only magnified as she got older. Her daughter Debbie would often describe her as a “pistol”. Smart as a whip, she even kept up with technology like using a computer and sending emails.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, Julie Parisot put the sparkle in the world around her. Always caring and giving, she took care of several elderly and needy friends and loved ones over the years including her own parents. Julie treasured her family, and it was when surrounded by their love that she was truly happy. A dear woman to many, she will be forever remembered.

Julie Parisot, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2016. Julie’s is survived by her children, Debra (Michael), Rick (Karen), and Lesli (Tim); grandchildren, Kevin (Danielle), Lesa (Amit), Adam, Shawn (Jennifer), and Holly; great-grandchildren, Emily, Ryan, Kaitlyn, and Victoria; siblings, Ann, Ron, John, and the late Catherine and Millie. Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Walter. Family will receive friends Tuesday, from 5-9 p.m., at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). Internment at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Wednesday at 12:30 pm. To share a favorite memory and/or photo and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.turowskilifestory.com