Dorothy Mary Bedewitz Julien, age 94, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on May 16, 2020 at Story Point of Rockford, where she resided for the past two years. She is survived by her children, Michael (Sarah) Julien, Douglas (Ann) Julien, Patricia Julien (Duane Hattem), and Susan Larimore (George), 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (with the sixth on her way). Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Bernard R. Julien in 1986, her special friend Harley Hilger in 2015, and her four siblings, Martha Dingman, Eric Bedewitz, Herbert Bedewitz and Hilda Markham.
Dorothy was born in Redford, Michigan on August 15, 1925 to Anna and Fritz Bedewitz. Soon after, the family moved to Paw Paw, Michigan and later, made their home in Grandville. She graduated from Grandville High School and attended secretarial school. She met Bernie at Winters & Crampton where they both worked. They married in 1949 and resided in Grand Rapids, Sidney, Ohio and Holland, Michigan through the years. From 1963 to 1986, Bernie and Dorothy co-owned Apex Rack & Coating Co. Following Bernie’s death, Dorothy managed Apex until retiring in 2003.
Dorothy will be remembered by her family and friends for her sense of style, kindness, diligence and tenacity. Nothing prevented her from fighting for what she wanted, and in doing so, she taught her family to work hard for what they wanted and to never give up. Dorothy also made time for fun with bridge, golf, cruises, Big Whitefish Lake cottage life in the summer and Naples, Florida sunshine in the winter. Also, an occasional gin gimlet, light on the lime juice. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
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