She had brothers John, Tomas, Tony and Frank, and sisters Florentina, Emiliana, Mae and Bennie.
As a young girl in Guam, she learned the value of hard work by working at the family bakery and restaurant.
While still in Guam, she was married at the age of 18 and soon after had sons Anthony and Eugene, known to the family as Tony and Paul.
In 1952, Julie moved to Lancaster, CA to live near her parents and younger siblings. In 1957, she remarried to Johannes Franquez Kamminga, the love of her life.
Together they opened the Guam BBQ on Sierra Highway. Later she sold it to open Julie's Cafe on 60th Street West.
In the 60’s, she had two daughters Mary and Patricia; known as Lia and Trish.
Over the years she owned restaurants, was a travel agent, dabbled in real estate, and lastly along with her partner Carl Van Erp, also known as Opa to the grandchildren, owned and operated High Desert Youth Homes.
Her greatest joy and accomplishment was her family. From attending sporting events to dance performances, family gatherings and especially any occasion to be with her grandchildren.
Julie loved the annual St. Joseph celebration because it brought together her two favorites; cooking and family. She also loved to pray the novena and sing the songs. Growing up, both generations witnessed her faithful prayer life. Praying was the first and last thing she did daily.
She loved cooking, especially baking. Many of you may remember her wedding cakes, red velvet cakes, cherry cheesecake pies, lemon merengue pies, and how about those Christmas fruit cakes? How many of you tasted her homemade bread rolls fresh from the oven with butter? All the grandkids knew Nana had a stash of homemade cookies just for them at any given time.
Julie also loved gardening. We were treated to all types of home grown fruits and vegetables when they were in season. You never knew what kind of hybrid fruit or vegetable would come out of the garden. But we always knew jars of jams and jellies were coming our way.
As most of you know, she was dealing with dementia these last few years. But even in that state, she still recognized her family. She would light up and there was pure joy on her face when she would see her grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was always a gentle way and sweetness about her and she always had a smile on her face.
Her grandchildren are Jason and Stephanie, Brandon and Tinoa, Alex, Garrett, Bill and Howie. Her great grandchildren are Tamar, Brianna, Jacob, Abigail and Elijah.
Julie was a true matriarch in our family and her legacy will live on through all of us by the life she led.
Whether related by blood, extended family or friends, we are all here to pay tribute and to honor an amazing woman who impacted our lives in many different ways. We are all greatly blessed to have known and loved her.
While we miss her presence here with us, we rejoice to know that she is in the presence of God, where she is dancing in a new body and reunited with loved ones that have gone on before her.
Thank you God for the time you have given us with our Mother, Nana and great-grandma .
Forever in our hearts.
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