Julia was born the daughter of Bruno and Mary (Fitzgerald) Gilbert in Louisiana on July 15, 1963. She graduated from Warren Mott High School, class of 1981. Julia earned her associate’s degree in automotive design from Macomb Community College. She married Ray Church on January 3, 1993 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, Michigan until their divorce. Julia had a career in automotive design and housekeeping.
Julia loved her family, especially her daughters and granddaughter. In earlier years, she enjoyed scuba diving, softball, golf, tennis, and swimming. Julia was an artist.
Julia was survived by her daughters Lauren (Hunter) Bartosik and Erika Church; granddaughter Eleanor Bartosik; siblings Paul (Patti) Gilbert, Steve (Christine Furtak-Lee) Gilbert, Ellen (Rick) Schaner, and Neil (Melissa Otto) Gilbert; Ray Church, father to Julia’s children. Julia was predeceased by her parents; and sister Barbara Gilbert.
Visitation will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 from 9:30am until the time of the funeral service at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 West University Drive in Rochester, Michigan. Interment will be at 2:30 pm at Lakeville Cemetery in Addison Township.
