Julie A. Mollan, 75, of Grand Rapids passed away May 20, 2023 at home surrounded by family. Julie was

born June 1947 to George and Virginia Ignatoski in Grand Rapids, where she spent most of her life. In

addition to her parents, Julie was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Craig Smith and Russ

Mollan. Julie is survived by her husband, Tom P. Mollan, whom she met at a party while attending

Michigan State University. Julie knew he was the one and by the end of the night Julie was calling Tom

her Prince Charming. They sailed through life together, oar to oar, and wing to wing, right to the end. It

was an epic lifelong romance. They were married in August of 1970. Also surviving are her two sons,

Josh (Margo) Mollan and Mike (Lisa) Mollan; grandchildren, Darby, Drew, Nick, Tyler, Fletcher, and

Beckett; and her three siblings, George Ignatoski, Joni Smith and Ed Ignatoski.

After college, Tom left for the Peace Corps and proposed via mail, to Julie. After coming home to marry ,

they both returned where Julie served with Tom in the Peace Corps in Maun, Botswana. There they

taught secondary school. After serving 3 years they traveled through the rest of Africa and Europe and

Julie developed a love for traveling with her husband and later family and friends.

Julie and Tom settled in Grand Rapids, eventually and started a family. Julie loved her boys and

daughters-in-law. She had a great influence on many lives including many of the boys' friends during

their teenage and high school years as the Mollan house became a regular meeting place and hosted the

weekly "Popcorn Club". Julie was deeply involved in each of her grandkid's lives and nurtured a special

relationship with each of them.

Julie was an avid biker, gardener, reader, and always up for a walk in the woods. She had a strong faith,

starting most meals with a prayer. "What a wonderful world God has made" and sharing her belief:

"God is good…all the time".

Julie worked as the church secretary at St. Paul the Apostle, and volunteered on the liturgy committee,

Christian Service group, and Refugee Resettlement.

Julie eventually returned to school for her Master's Degree in Social Work. She had a private counseling

practice at the Octagon House for over 20 years. Julie was a great listener and believed every person

worthy of her full attention.

She and Tom loved their jobs but embraced retirement and traveled to Alaska on a cruise, the Holy Land, returned to Africa, Australia, New Zealand and numerous other trips in the U.S. and abroad.

When Julie was diagnosed with cancer, Tom cared lovingly for her until she was called to her Savior's

awaiting arms.

The family will receive friends and visitors at Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Thursday May 25,2023 from

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian burial which will follow on Friday May

26,2023 from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church at 11:00 am.

Memorial contributions are suggested to: START Midwest Cancer and Hematology Center via Hands of

Hope Foundation at https://handsofhopefoundation.com/#donate.