Julie Ann Hammarstrom

Julie Ann Hammarstrom of Boulder, CO, dedicated teacher, talented athlete, world traveler, mountain woman, and best friend to everyone she met, passed away on May 4, 2015. Julie was born in Detroit, MI on August 13, 1931. She graduated from high school in Michigan in 1949, where she earned perfect attendance records, served on the student government, and was elected captain of the girl's basketball, tennis, and field hockey teams. After graduating from Michigan State Normal College in Ypsilanti, MI in 1953, she taught physiology, physical education, and driver's ed at Melvindale-Northern Allen Park High School in Melvindale, MI. She remained connected with her former students, their children and grandchildren throughout her life. Julie fell in love with Colorado in 1969 en route to California on a summer trip with friends. She returned the following summers and earned her Master's degree at the University of Colorado. In Boulder, she made lifelong friends and purchased thirteen pristine acres atop Flagstaff Mountain. She designed her "little house in the woods" and hired local Boulder contractor, Don Fleming, to build her dream house in 1972. Upon her retirement in 1982, Julie moved to her mountaintop paradise, where she quickly bonded with her new neighbors and her precious critters. To better protect her cherished neighborhood, she became a volunteer firefighter and educated herself on the challenges facing those who chose to live in remote but beautiful places. Julie was an avid supporter of women's sports, especially the CU Lady Buffs. She traveled around the globe, and enjoyed learning all that she could about other cultures. Julie loved to share her mountain home with friends, often hosting gatherings for picnics and bird-watching tours. Always the scientist, Julie regularly tracked migratory patterns of birds and kept detailed records of weather and animal activity. She earned the moniker "Turkeylady" in recognition of the wild turkeys that flocked to her at her call. She recognized and appreciated her role as steward of the land and wildlife. Despite the Parkinson's disease that ravaged her health in her last few months, she never lost her sense of humor or her interest in the world around her. Her firm goal was to stay in the home she had made and which she loved so much, until the end of her life. She lived her life her way and remained connected to the land. Julie's parents, Kathleen and Arthur Hammarstrom Sr., and her brothers Lt. Col. Arthur Hammarstrom Jr., Bruce, and Hugh preceded her in death. She leaves behind her beloved nephew Arthur Fredrick Hammarstrom, III and his wife Jane, along with a host of dear friends, former students, and devoted caregivers. She will be much missed by friends, neighbors, and family. A celebration of Julie's life will be held at her home in Boulder on Saturday, June 27. In accordance with her lifelong commitment to helping others, Julie established a special scholarship fund at the high school where she had taught for so many years. Donations may be made to the Julie Hammarstrom Scholarship Fund, American Endowment Foundation, 1521 Georgetown Road Suite 104, Hudson Ohio 44236. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailycamera/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=174881020#sthash.aG2ZcqCK.dpuf