Julie was born May 27, 1943, in Detroit, the daughter of Paul and AnnaBell Serratoni.

On March 7, 1964, she married Dave Pearson.

They made their home in West Bloomfield and spent summers at the family “beach house” on Good Harbor Bay. From across the water, they could see the lights of Leland at night and Sugar Loaf Mountain by day. In the early 1990s, Julie and Dave moved to Leland, making their summer place a year-round home.

Julie came from a family of artists and found her medium in tile mosaics. Lake Michigan was a source of inspiration. When hand-glazing tiles for her work, she liked to sit where she could see—or at least hear—the water. She often said, “You can never have too much blue,” a sentiment reflected in her art and her surroundings. One of her earliest pieces, known in the family as the “watermelon dog,” has been displayed in her son’s homes for decades, a source of both pride and embarrassment. Her mosaic angels were her most popular creations, and she sold every angel she made to shops, galleries, and individual customers. She continued to make art until she was no longer able to do so.

Her love of animals was constant throughout her life. She grew up with dogs and cats, and continued to share her home with both throughout her adult life. She had a particular fondness for Labrador retrievers. When her son was a teen, they went to a breeder intending to bring home a black Lab and name the puppy Licorice, continuing a family tradition of L-named pets. But when Julie saw a yellow Lab in the litter, plans changed. The puppy came home without a name until they noticed a framed aerial photograph of Leland hanging in the living room. The yellow Lab was named Leland, years before Julie and Dave would make Leland their home.

Six months ago, Julie rescued Ellie, a four-anda- half-year-old Yorkie/ Maltese mix, from the humane society. Ellie was frightened of people and remained wary for nearly two months. Julie patiently won her over with chicken treats, and a playful, happy dog emerged. Julie was an enthusiastic supporter of other people’s ideas and plans, often becoming their cheerleader. She also took genuine delight in the enthusiasm and creativity of others. A neighbor’s decorated mailbox, a holiday display, or some small creative endeavor could bring her great excitement. She noticed and celebrated the effort people put into the world around them.

She expressed her love for her family in practical, everyday ways. She cooked three meals a day, almost always from scratch, and even prepared homemade food for the family dogs. She never let a visit from her grandson Jasiah go without a batch of cookies, which were sometimes a little more crispy than intended and always eagerly anticipated. She and Jasiah took hikes together at places like Clay Cliffs and Houdek Dunes.

Julie is survived by her husband, Dave; her son, David; her grandson, Jasiah; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Private family services have been held.

Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.