Julie Ann Walters Sooy

Julie Ann Walters Sooy, 56, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024, surrounded by her family. Julie was born December 22, 1967, in Zeeland, Michigan, to Jason & Rosella (Jager) Walters. She was raised in Zeeland and graduated from Zeeland Christian and Holland Christian Schools. Julie loved music and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in flute performance, music education, a German minor, and later a master's degree in music theory. Julie studied abroad for a year in Salzburg, Austria, and attended the Mozarteum. She became a music professor at Hope College where she taught flute performance, music theory, and world music. Julie invested much of her time at Hope College mentoring students. Julie was a longstanding member of the West Michigan Flute Orchestra eventually becoming the music director after her own personal flute instructor was no longer able. Julie was also influential in The National Flute Association. At their 2024 convention, Julie was selected to conduct the Opening and Closing Concerts. Julie was patient, peaceful, and she loved nature. She was very active and enjoyed biking, walking, kayaking, birds, gardening, fixing puzzles, and she heard music in everything. Julie loved learning new bird calls and was profoundly punctual at having her bird feeders properly filled. Julie had an explosive laugh that filled the room. Julie wholeheartedly loved her Lord and her family. Julie married Eric Sooy in 1991, and they moved permanently from Ohio to West Michigan in 1997. They have three children: Trevor and Morgan Sooy, Meredith Sooy, Phoenix Sooy, as well as a first soon-to-arrive granddaughter that Julie desperately wanted to meet. She is also survived by her father Jason and Barb Walters, father-in-law Gordon Sooy, siblings: Del and Heidi Walters, Kevin and Stephanie Walters, Jan and Bob Drenten; in-laws: Brian and Lisa Sooy, Mark and Elisabeth Sooy, and many extended family and friends. Julie was an indomitable spirit, laboring hard in putting her faith in practice by serving others. She was selfless and a force of positivity in every endeavor. Julie always took the burnt hamburger... A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hope Church (RCA), 77 W. 11th Street, Holland MI 49423. Visiting hours will be held 5:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. Private interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Church (RCA), West Michigan Flute Association, or Ottawa County Parks. You can watch the memorial service livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwficVuohKI

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Julie Ann Walters Sooy

December 22, 1967 - August 30, 2024