Julie’s life was defined by her profound love for her family and her vibrant spirit. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time at the family summer home in Port Hope, Michigan.
A woman of many talents, Julie was an exceptionally gifted crafter. She created beautiful works of art across various mediums, including intricate stained glass, candle making, paper filagree, and diamond painting.
Julie also embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm. She was an avid sportswoman who enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, and hunting. Julie had a unique and unmistakable personal style; she was well known for wearing camouflage almost exclusively, a signature look that matched her love for the outdoors.
Beloved wife of Richard Craven married for 47 years. Loving mother of Kati (Tommy) Gizowski and stepmother of Shelly (John) Murphy. Proud grandmother Ashley (Louis) Vallone, Lexy Lesinski, Ariel Murphy and Cheyenne Gizowski, Leland Gizowski and great-grandmother of Luca and Lorenzo. Dearest sister of Joseph Balitzky and the late Thomas Balitzky. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Julie was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Phyllis Balitzky. Julie had an extraordinary love for her dachshunds. These loyal companions were her constant shadows and sources of endless joy. She is preceded in death by her beloved dachshunds Gretchen, Missi, and Heidi. Her faithful dachshund, Emma, remains a comforting presence to the family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 2PM until 8PM with a Rosary at 7PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville, MI 48066. In state on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10:30AM until time of Funeral Mass at 11AM at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic church, 18720 13 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Roseville, MI 48066. Please share a memory with the family on Julie’s online guestbook.
