Obituary of Julie Tartarian
Julie Wailyn Shanafelt was born on July 12, 1972 in Trenton, Michigan. She was one of two children born from the union of Donald Shanafelt and Violet (Mata) Shanafelt. At the age of seven, Julie’s family moved to Monroe from Dearborn Heights. She attended Monroe High School, where she lettered in volleyball, graduating with the class of 1990. Julie later attended Eastern Michigan University obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Julie married the love of her life, John Tartarian on April 19, 1997 in Southfield. The couple was blessed with the birth of two beautiful girls: Anna and Sara. For more than ten years, Julie was employed as a Registered Nurse for Mercy Memorial and then Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
More than anything, Julie loved the company of her family. The Tartarian’s enjoyed the outdoors, and often would go camping and fishing; one of their favorite destinations was Bruin Lake State Park in Chelsea, Michigan.
Julie was very detail oriented. She liked everything in her life to be a certain way. Julie took great pride in keeping a neat home and was often fanatical about rearranging items. She often enjoyed watching the food network and her favorite movie was “She’s the Man”. A self-proclaimed photographer, Julie loved to watch her girls play volleyball, and took every opportunity to capture them in action.
Julie Wailyn Tartarian, age 45, of Monroe passed away at 9:15pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital with her loving family at her side. She had been under the care of Promedica Monroe Hospice.
To cherish her memory, Julie leaves her loving husband of twenty years: John; two daughters: Anna and Sara; her parents: Donald and Violet; a brother: Chris (Michelle) Shanafelt; her brothers-in-law: Nichan, Zaven, and Hagop Tartarian; a sister-in-law: Shoghig Tcherchian; nephews: Andrew and Christopher Shanafelt; a great nephew and niece: Evan “Earl” and Nora; a beloved four-legged companion: Max; and numerous extended family and friends.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Mike Gilbert of the North Monroe Street Church of God officiating.
To honor Julie’s personal request, in lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Monroe Cancer Center. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.