Julie Maureen Olding

About Julie

Our mom, Julie Maureen Williams Olding, 61, of Bemidji died Thursday April 27, 2023 at her daughter's home.

She is survived by 5 independent rebel-minded children and their significant others. She loved each one of us fiercely and equally, but in different ways. She gave to each of us what she felt in her heart that we needed. She always did everything in her power to help each of us in times of struggle.

She is also survived by 6 grandchildren who she loved most in this world. She never once passed up an opportunity to be with her grandchildren. They gave her the purest love, joy and comfort in her life.

She was also proud of her Williams' family upbringing and shared many fun stories with us about her "tomboy" days and family trips and jokes and epic fights with her parents and siblings.

She also loved her extended family of nieces and nephew and in-laws.

We believe she is reunited with her mom and dad and siblings and loved ones who've gone before.

She also had many honorary kids and grandkids and pets who took refuge and were fed well by her. Kids and animals always seemed delighted and at home with her despite her at times gruff exterior. She always told her grandkids that even if she's gone she will always be there looking out for them and that they can always talk to her.

Even as her body suffered from chronic pain she fought through it tirelessly to be with her kids and grandchildren. Knowing her she won't stop wanting always to be there for us. I have told a little story many times about how my mom used to wake me up in high school every morning in the most annoying way. She'd say, "Time to wake up! " extra brightly and purposefully fake cheery. I would wake up and just try to count down from 30 before opening my eyes and hopping out of bed. I never hardly got below 20 before she repeated the call more obnoxiously. I felt robbed. The moment I went downstairs she'd start in with " Smile! Smile!" I would mumble every morning that I wasn't in a bad mood, I just couldn't smile on command. The last time I was telling that story it struck me that the most important part of her annoying me every single morning was that she was there every single morning.

She was/is a big bold spirit. It is only now in her passing that I am hit by the utter grace and beauty of that spirit. Mom we will miss you so much, but I have no doubt that you will still be with us. She loved the Eagles and on the way to say our last goodbyes I asked her to send me an Eagles song. These lyrics played: "I'm already gone, and I'm feeling strong. I will sing this victory song. Woo hoo hoo hoo Woo hoo hoo!" Which was perfect. We love you mom! Thank-you for everything. I owe so much beauty in my life to the fire of you. God bless and keep you and us all. Amen.

memorial service

The family is planning a private service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home