Julianne Richards, 59 years old, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025. Little did the world know that a gift was being given to us all on September 23, 1965, when Julianne Marie Richards was born. Julie's warm heart and smile made her immediate friends with everyone that she met. Julianne brought instant sunshine to any room with her positive energy and a true zest for life. Julie loved to interact with people and make new friends. Often, Julie would approach strangers, stick her hand out for a handshake and introduce herself by saying, "l am Julianne Richards". When in public she would often say, "I know her or him" and wave whether she knew them or not. As Julies Alzheimer's progressed and she could not find the words to introduce herself, she would walk up to others with a big smile and just stand next to them. Julie loved to sing and dance. She enjoyed songs from the eighties and nineties and music from television shows that she watched while growing up in the north end of Grand Rapids. Gospel songs were a particular favorite, and she would often sing them in the car traveling to appointments. Eating was a specialty of Julie's with her favorite foods being pizza, plain cheeseburgers and fries. Diet cokes were Julies favorite drink. She could not pass McDonalds without getting a diet coke. A satisfying meal for Julie was when it ended with a hot fudge sundae or chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and ice cream. Julie attended Lincoln School in Grand Rapids and then Noorthoek Academy at Grand Valley State University. While she was proud of her GVSU Laker connection, her favorite team to root for was Michigan State University where she attended football games with family. On any given day at work or going to an appointment, you would typically find Julie wearing an MSU T-shirt or sweatshirt. Julie grew up attending Second Congregational Church and in her adult years was active in South Grandville Christian Reformed Church also attending their weekly Friendship Group. Julie was an avid bowler for many years and was proud of owning her own bowling ball and shoes which she carried in a special rolling tote. Julie also played softball with her friends in a league in Grandville. In the summer, she loved going to Cran Hill Ranch. Over the years Julie was employed by several different companies in Grand Rapids. Her jobs included delivering faxes and making photocopies. Julie also assisted in the family business, Richards Quality Bedding, putting together packets of information for customers. Julie retired from Hope Network Sheltered Workshop. For many years, on Tuesday afternoons you would find Julie at Brookcrest Christian Nursing Home in Grandville volunteering in the laundry room. Julie spent the last two weeks of her life under the wonderful care of the staff at Harbor Terrace Senior Living in Muskegon. Our family is forever grateful to the Harbor Terrace staff for their love and support of Julie. Interim Hospice HealthCare was critical as well in her end-of-life care. Julie and our family were blessed with her amazing caregivers who truly loved Julie. Included in these caregivers are Marcia, Cat, Keylyn, Tina, Mary and Katie. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Joan Richards; brother, Eric (Karen) Richards; foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ari Vanderwall; grandparents, Carl and Esther Richards and Lyle and Anna Hogue. Julianne is survived by her siblings: Carl Richards III, Suzanne Richards, Bruce (Virginia) Richards, nieces and nephews; Andrea Oleniczak, Colin (Mia) Richards and their daughters, Alice and Alina; Anna (Sam) Leibovitz, Amelia (Joe) Pruiett, Winston (Madeline) Richards and many relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire Drive NE, Grand Rapids MI on June 7, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30am followed by the service at 11:30am. In remembrance of Julie's loving spirit, please consider making a donation to Second Congregational Church, South Grandville Christian Reformed Church or a charity of your choice.