Julie TerMeer

With a smile that could light up a room and a sparkle in her eye, Julie TerMeer was beloved by all who knew her. She was just as powerful and strong on the inside as she was on the outside, and once Julie set her mind on a goal, there was no stopping her. A kind and loving woman, Julie’s passions included her family and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. She loved completely and fully at every opportunity, and she gave from the depths of her heart. Gone too soon from love’s embrace, Julie will be remembered for all she was, all that she strived to be, and more.

By 1971, the decade had already ushered in new innovations, technology, and social advancement. A period of great change in our country, the Vietnam War continued to rage as peace demonstrations were evident in nearly every American city. At a time when big bells and denim suits were all the rage, television shows like Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In and All in the Family was a welcome deviation from the worries of the world. Yet for Ronald and Judy (Romsek) Holmes of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the May 16, 1971 birth of their little girl, Julie was cause for celebration.

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Julie was the firstborn and only daughter in the Holmes household. She was later joined by two younger brothers, John and Michael, and boy did she let them know who was boss! Julie was a wonderful big sister and together with her family, numerous memories were enjoyed and shared through the years. Her father was a Kalamazoo Public Safety police officer and a member of the Michigan National Guard while her mother worked as a legal assistant.

Julie possessed an outgoing and fun-loving personality right from the start. She enjoyed many friendships throughout her youth while attending the area schools. Quite athletic, Julie was involved in basketball, softball, and volleyball during her school years. She also excelled in her studies and was a member of the National Honors Society before graduating from Otsego High School with the Class of 1989.

Although Julie had aspirations of furthering her education, her plans took a different course and she would not have wanted it any other way. She was married for a time, and from that union, she was blessed with the 1994 birth of her pride and joy, her daughter, Taylor. Family meant everything to Julie and she gladly sacrificed to ensure that Taylor always came first. She was involved in her daughter’s activities, and she supported each of Taylor’s endeavors. They were not only mother and daughter but the best of friends.

Later in life, Julie pursued her college education. Having received her degree in business administration from Cornerstone University, she was currently working on her masters in social work from Western Michigan University. For the last five years, Julie worked for the Western Michigan Sindecuse Health Center in the counseling department. An integral part of her team, Julie was already making a difference in the lives of others. Her kindness and compassion were clearly evident, and with ways all her own, she was making an impact with her contributions. Julie was genuine in her demeanor and she felt deeply for people as she longed to help others find their way.

Another passion for Julie was her involvement in women’s health and weightlifting. She competed in weightlifting, and she even participated in a world competition held in Florida where she took the honor of the 2014 World Weightlifting Champion in her weight class. She also took second place in the Kalamazoo Women’s Body Building Competition. She worked hard for this accomplishment, sculpting her body to the best of her ability by weight training, working out, and eating right. For this one event, Julie lost over 100 pounds in order to compete. Working out at the Repz Gym in Plainwell not only offered Julie a positive workout environment, but she also gained many friends there. She loved her Repz family who supported and encouraged Julie immensely.

A few of Julie’s favorite places included the gym and visiting Elberta Beach in Benzie County, and Crystal Lake in the same area. The fresh air, charging waves, and soft sandy beaches were an inspiration for Julie. She loved animals in general, but her pooch, Bailey offered good company when taking walks along the shoreline. Julie was also a good cook. Her pasta salad and delicious baked beans were always the popular dishes at family gatherings. With her fun-loving ways, Julie absolutely loved Halloween, and the Christmas holiday continued to fill her heart with wonder. She liked collecting sea glass, especially in her favorite color, pink, and she enjoyed fishing, too. When it came to music, Julie preferred the sounds of Jimmy Buffet with its light-hearted, good-time feel.

Through her many interests, Julie made a multitude of friends over the years with whom she loved and appreciated. She enjoyed the best of times with them, and she treasured each and every one. Family and faith were the center of Julie’s heart. Her love for God was a constant source of strength and her faith in Jesus carried her through both good days and difficult. Second only to her faith was her family. She was extremely proud of and loved her nieces and nephew, Jack, Malia, and Alissa, and they looked up to her.

Julie TerMeer was one of a kind. Her smile could brighten the gloomiest of days, and her encouraging words and helpful nature were always a welcome addition. Julie was undeniably filled with sparkle and glam mixed with a little bit of sweat and iron which drew many to her side. Like the rain is to the rainbow, she brought sunshine to an ordinary day. Through her compassion, Julie strived to truly make a difference and help people. As many can attest, Julie did make a difference simply by being the remarkable woman she was. Deeply missed, Julie leaves much to be remembered and then some. “She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten”

Julie K. TerMeer, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Otsego, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at the age of 44. Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 17th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881) where her memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location.

Please visit Julie’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook, share a favorite memory and/or photo. Julie loved flowers and her family encourages those that wish to send them. Those that wish to make a contribution can do so in her memory to either Plainwell High School or to Otsego High School Athletic Boosters.