Julie Ann Maxson

JULIE ANN MAXSON, 80, of Lake Ann, MI, loving wife of 59 years and fiercely devoted mother of three, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2023, at Munson Medical Center.

Julie loved and was loved widely. She exhibited extraordinary empathy, positivity, kindness and capacity to love. Julie believed the best in everyone. She was magically gifted with children of all ages. Every child was the smartest and most beautiful she had ever known.

Julie was born on January 27, 1943, at Mount Pleasant Community Hospital in Isabella County to Lucy (Kneeland) Oldt and Methodist minister Rev. Wesley C. Oldt.

Part of a Traverse City pioneering family, Julie's great-grandparents were Dr. C.J. and Estella Kneeland, and grandparents, Harold and Mary Ann (Hunter) Kneeland. Dr. Kneeland came to Traverse City in 1872, practicing medicine in the area for many years. He planted one of the first cherry orchards in the area and served on the board of directors of the Traverse City school system for 25 years.

Often referring to herself as a "preacher's kid," the family moved from parish to parish throughout southwest Michigan.

In 1959, a handsome young freshman at the University of Michigan caught her eye. In 1961 David joined the US Army and was sent to Ethiopia for two years. Julie became his most loyal and interesting correspondent. When he returned in late 1963 Julie was waiting with open arms. They soon began dating and married in 1964, settling in Kalamazoo, where David worked as a management trainee at the First National Bank and Julie graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in English.

The family moved to Traverse City in 1978 where Julie became a preschool teacher and later Director of the Peninsula Community Library, where she worked until her retirement in 2004. Julie was an active and beloved member of the Old Mission community for 19 years.

Over the years, David and Julie hosted numerous international students, including many from Interlochen Center for the Arts. Julie thus became a surrogate mother to many. Each Mother's Day, greetings poured in from around the world. Julie and David were proud of each and every one of these talented students, whom they loved and were dearly loved in return.

After retirement, Julie and David built a home in Lake Ann where she dedicated herself to family, young people, and a lifelong passion for music, playing piano and books.

Julie is survived by her loving husband David; adoring children, Eric (Catherine) Maxson, Dana (Debra Finkelstein) Maxson, and Krista (Jeffrey) Goldman. She took great joy in her grandchildren Logan Elliot, Maia Kneeland and Olivia Kendall Cooper; and Alexandra Grace, Leland Kennedy and Ava Juliet Maxson.

Julie was preceded in death by her brother John Wesley Oldt.

A celebration of her life and her legacy with children and music is planned for May 18, 2024, at the Hagerty Center, 1-3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Julie's memory to your community library or youth-serving organization.