Julie Irene Crowley (Kelly)

Julie Irene (Kelly) Crowley

Age 88, of Jackson, was reunited with her husband, sister, brothers, mother, father and most of her lifelong, childhood friends in heaven this past Sunday evening, February 2, 2025.  Julie was the youngest daughter of Phillip C. and Rhoda Kelly and was born July 25, 1936, at Mercy Hospital in Jackson, Michigan.

She is survived by her children, James (Erin) Crowley, Caytie (Matt) Guerin and Colleen Crowley; her grandchildren, Corey (Molly) Crowley, Kelly (Blake) Hansen, Allyson (T.J.) Crowley, Haleigh (James) Schena, Keelin (Luke) Guerin, Maille Guerin and Ceara Guerin; great grandchildren, Leena Maureen Hansen, Harper Hope Hansen, Seamus Jude Crowley, Marlowe Barron Crowley, Lola James Geary and Finn John Geary; as well as many loving nieces and nephews from both her Kelly and Crowley families.  She was preceded in death by her husband James, mother and father Rhoda and Phillip C. Kelly, brothers Mark and Bill Kelly and sister Sheelah Maureen Kelly.

A lifelong member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish on Jackson's west side, Julie and her family were charter members of the large Catholic parish upon its founding. She was among the elementary school's inaugural student body.  It was there she met her lifelong friends Mary Lou Conway, Mary Jo Kelly and Sally Bullinger among many others.  Julie transitioned from Queen's School to St. John High School where she graduated.

She attended Marygrove College in Detroit where she studied and obtained a degree in Journalism.  Upon graduation, Julie accepted a position at Aeroquip as writer for the Flying A, the company employee newsletter at the time.  She then became copywriter for the Jacobson Corporation advertising department.

While attending St John High School , Julie met and fell in love with high school classmate, James (Jim) Crowley.  In 1960 they married to raise their family together until his untimely death in 1980.  Julie lived her life of service and fun all within a 6-block radius of Queen's Parish her entire life. She attended mass daily, was a member of the Queen's Mother Theresa Circle and continued a family tradition her mother started by ironing the church alter linens every Monday morning after weekend services. Julie was also active as a phone angel for the St. Vincent DePaul Society. She remained an active member for all 8 decades of her life, continuing to be blessed by the Queen's community until her passing this past Sunday.

Julie loved Hinkley's doughnuts, Bill Knapp cakes, Schlenker Burgers, Vernor's, blueberry pancakes, hot dogs on the grill as long as they were burned black, Chocolate Malts from the Parlor and all things sweet with no nutritional value. She detested Dental appointments and cold weather.  Julie raised her children with strength and compassion.  She set an example of uncompromising and unconditional faith in the Lord and a committed devotion to the Blessed Mother as well as the many other saints.  This unwavering love and faith will continue to inspire all of us who knew her for the rest of our lives.

Her greatest source of pride and joy was always her family and although her physical presence and laughter will be missed, we take solace in the knowledge, because this is what she taught us, that she will continue to guide and pray for us all now more than she ever could prior to her entering her eternal life.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, Our Family Friend Agency, especially the caregiver Kadence, and Barbara (her private, wonderful caregiver) for helping to make their mother's final weeks and months as comfortable as possible.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.  A private interment will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Friday, February 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family hopes you will make donations to Queen of the Miraculous Medal School, Lumen Christi High School or the Catholic charity of your choice.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years