Julie Ann Kearney

Julie Ann Kearney, age 61, passed away peacefully at home on April 8th, 2022. She was our Rock, the Heart and the Driver of our family. She loved, more than words can describe, her growing family and friends both near and far. Her pride in providing over 36 years of committed service to the long-term healthcare industry throughout the Midwest was only matched by her aspiration to truly make a difference in delivering better care for both patients and their families.

Julie was born on April 26th, 1960 in Hobbs, New Mexico to John and Florine (Orchard) Sappington. She spent most of her youth in West Branch, Michigan. She earned her BS in Health Services Management at Ferris State University where she met her husband, Timothy Kearney. She went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration at Central Michigan University. She began her career working for National Foot Care Service in 1982 and moved into the long term care industry in 1985. She provided committed and caring service in long-term care for the remainder of her career. She worked for the Medilodge Group for 19 years as the VP of Corporate Services in the Metro Detroit Area before founding in 2004 Kearney & Associates, a consulting business specialized in long-term care and assisted living. Julie was passionate about her work. She strove to always do her personal best, to make a difference and to care for her clients. She enjoyed teaching courses including the licensed nursing home administrator course at Michigan State University. She was a licensed nursing home administrator, AHIMA approved ICD-CM trainer and held an AHIMA ICD-10 CM certificate.

After college Julie & Tim spent time in Rochester, Shelby and Macomb Township, Michigan before finally moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in August, 2004. The most important thing to Julie was her family. Julie was always up for adventure and a good time. She loved traveling, going out to eat with her family, and enjoying live music. She was strong, hardworking, and fiercely independent. She had the biggest heart.

Julie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Timothy John; her children Brianna (Brian) Mendenhall, Erin Kearney, Kory Kearney; grandchildren Henry William and Evelyn Rae Mendenhall. Her loved ones extend to our larger family including Chris (Kelly) Sappington, Michael (Tina) Sappington, Carrie (Tom) Mesch, Dick (Karyn) Bachelder, Mike (Brenda) Bachelder and our flock of nieces, nephews and their spouses and children.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where a Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. with visiting one hour prior, at St. Jude Catholic Church (1120 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525). Msgr. R. Louis Stasker will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association Michigan Chapter. A Memorial Fund for Julie is available here: https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/PersonalFund/Michigan?px=8820121&pg=personal&fr_id=10052#.YlGzj8jMKUk

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com for the Kearney family.