Our world lost someone quick to smile, with crinkled bright eyes and an endearing laugh. It was one of her ways to express her love to whomever she was with at the time.  Julie Ann Friberg was born to John and Ethel Marotta on April 18, 1943, in Cleveland, OH. She was the first of five gorgeous daughters. She was raised in Lakewood, OH and attended Magnificat High School.  Julie and her sisters, Therese, Mary, Rita and Leone – the Marotta five – loved and looked out for each other from childhood until today. Julie was born fearless and stood up to bullies even as a child. No cruel boy was going to pick on her sisters, and in turn they always banded together no matter the situation.  She married Alan Williams in 1961, and her first son Robert soon followed. After Al graduated from Ohio U, her next highlight was son John barreling out in Dayton OH. Julie’s weight loss program was trying to keep up with two boys, especially John. A move to Port Huron, MI brought daughter Cheryl. Julie and the aunties were so excited for a girl. The final move was to Kentwood, MI.  In 1979, she married Robert Friberg, and our family was blended together with his children - Karen, Scott, and Rich. She viewed them as her own and her bragging about them showed others she meant it.  Bob and Julie brought Jesse Heard into our lives as another brother in 1983, and he has been one ever since.  Bob and Julie were married until his death in 2007.  For 30 years, she worked for Kentwood Public Schools, she was best known as the Freshmen Wing Executive Assistant at East Kentwood HS. She coached the cheerleading team and was a proud ambassador for EKHS, attending various sporting events until her passing.  She was in constant motion, and during retirement made a point to give back to Grand Rapids. She volunteered at Blodgett Hospital, Kids Food Basket, Women Who Care and EKHS.  Her connection with others was genuine and loving. You could not go out into the community without others calling out, “Grandma Julie” or “hey Mrs. Friberg.”  Julie was preceded in death by her father, mother; sister, Mary (McNutt); and son, Scott. She is survived by her children, Robert Williams (Blair) of Tulsa, OK, John Williams (Libby) of San Antonio, TX, Cheryl Teremi (Mike) of Kentwood, Karen Stephan (Michele) of Alto, Rich Friberg (Karen) of Middleville, and Jesse Heard of Grand Rapids, MI.  She is also survived by grandchildren, Kate Montgomery, Jenny Schmidt, Madison Wright, Mallory Vaughan, Jack Williams, Lauren Teremi, Dominic Teremi, Sophia Teremi, Lindsay Allen, Ryan Stephan, Kelsey Hines, Kyle Friberg, Jesalyn Heard, and Tyler Heard.  She was blessed with great-grandchildren, Beatrice Montgomery, Riley Schmidt, Brady Allen, and Jake Allen. In honor of all the smiles and laughter she shared, a Celebration of Life gathering and open house will be held between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  For remembrance comments, please visit https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/Mmeo5LXB

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