Julie Ann Webber
December 12, 1953 - July 10, 2010

With a beautiful smile as captivating as the ocean, Julie Webber was a delightful woman who brought so much joy to the world around her. She was a fun-loving woman who seemed to squeeze every last drop out of what life had to offer her every day. Julie was generous and kind, positive and funny, but it will be her graceful strength for which she will be most remembered. Everyone who knew Julie knew that she finally met her soul mate with whom she created the life she loved. A woman who was passionate about her work, Julie touched countless families who were under her supervision with her kind heart and tender touch. Those who knew and loved Julie know that their lives are forever enriched for having been touched by someone who can only be described as an angel.

The year 1953 was part of a decade that became known as the Nifty Fifties in which America was introduced to the Barbie doll, blue jeans, and the sounds of rock n roll. It was also during this time that girls wore poodle skirts and saddle shoes while boys tried to look cool and laid back like James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. It was within this same year that Donald and Mary (Hessel) Lasser welcomed the birth of their daughter, Julie, on December 12th. Julie was the youngest of four children in her family including siblings David, Diane, and Jerry. She was born in Redwood City, California, and remained there until she moved with her family to Fruitport, Michigan, when she was two years old. Once in Michigan, Julies father worked at Kaydon while her mother stayed home and cared for the family. Being the youngest in her family, Julie was a little spoiled and could even be a bit bratty from time to time. Julie was a tomboy who loved to play with boys, climb trees, and be in the water as much as possible. Julies sister Diane, looked after her little sister but was jealous that Julie had a better bike than she did, so once she helped herself to it and caused quite the stir.

Tragedy struck early in Julies life when her father died of cancer when she was just 13 years old. Since her sister Diane was married by this time and her older brothers were in the military, it was just she and her mother left at home. The pair moved to California to live with Julies brothers, but their time there proved to be short lived and back to Muskegon they came. Julie's mother started working for Muskegon Regional Retardation Center while Julie attended Fruitport schools. Julie was very bright but never really cared for school all that much.

Shortly after she graduated from high school, Julie married and her husband joined the service. They lived on a few different bases over the following years, but spent most of their time in Germany. The couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jamie, and although their marriage ended in divorce after just a few years, Julie was forever thankful for the daughter they shared.

Now a single mother, Julie moved with her daughter back to Muskegon where she worked and went back to college. She wanted to work with people and had her heart set on working for the Muskegon Regional Center. Julie was very persistent and kept going back until she was finally hired as an aid. The center later closed, but Julie was fortunate to be offered a position with the Department of Human Services (DHS). She became a case worker and loved her job as a Family Independence Specialist (FIS). Julie was given an office in the Orchard View School District where she worked directly with families.

Life was forever changed for Julie when her neighbor and best friend, Barb, and her boyfriend Bob decided that Julie needed to meet Bobs best buddy, Barry. Bob convinced Barry to tag along one day when they were headed to Julies and the stage was set. Although neither Julie nor Barry was looking for a relationship since they both had gone through their own divorces, they began spending time together. Over time, their relationship blossomed and they both knew that they had met their soul mates. Julie and Barry had so much in common - they both loved the water and could even finish each others sentences. They were married on the perfect day for soul mates Valentines Day in 1990 in their home in Norton Shores. Because they were both busy with their jobs, they didnt have time to take a long honeymoon, but they took a long weekend at The Shack in Jugville.

Together Julie and Barry enjoyed a marriage that seemed made in heaven. They both loved dogs including their dog named Cheese followed by their dog Maggie. The couple enjoyed the time they spent boating on their boat, Josephine, as well as the many friends they made together at the Lakeshore Harbor. Julie and Barry also travelled all over together including destinations such as Hawaii, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and Arizona where Julie satiated her love for warm weather and the water. Her favorite trip was when they rented a 48-foot boat and traveled the Virgin Islands. They also tickled Barrys appetite for skiing in Colorado, Big Sky Mountain, and Lake Tahoe.

In September of 2009, Julie came down with what seemed to be a persistent cold or pneumonia. After taking several doses of medication, her doctor ordered tests and x-rays. Julie and Barrys world came crashing down when the results showed that she had stage four cancer. Julie was determined to beat her enemy and fought hard, never complaining as she endured her many treatments and surgeries. In June the tables turned when Barry suffered a heart attack and it became Julie who nursed him. Three weeks ago, Barry took his angel home where she wanted to spend the sunset of her life. Her husband said it best when he said that all Julie needed was a new body as her mind was sharp and until the very end, Julie was cracking one-liners to make everyone laugh.

Julie Webber was a remarkable woman who leaves the world a better place because she was here. She was passionate about everything she did and everyone she loved. If recovery were based on determination alone, Julie would have been victorious when engaged in the fight for her life. Her grace, her strength, and her gentle spirit will be forever treasured by those she leaves behind.

Julie A. Webber died Saturday, July 10, 2010. Julies family includes her husband, Barry; 1 daughter, Jaime Ann Barker; 2 step daughters, Cori Anne Johnson & Kendell R. Altena; 9 grandchildren; 2 brothers, David (Zita) Lasser & Gerald Rae Dean Lasser & 1 sister, Diane (Ed) Peabody & very special friend, Barb. Julie was preceded in death by her parents. A service will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel with Fr. Matt Barnum officiating. Visit with Julies family and friends on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice.

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