Julia Merle

Julia Merle, a dedicated Mother, Grandmother, and Comadre, passed away on Friday, April 17th, 2020, at the age of 91.

Born on July 27th, 1928, in Cayey, Puerto Rico, she was the only child of Francisco Muñiz and Antonia Bruno Santos.

Julia married José Alfredo Merle, and soon they decided to move and raise their family in Pontiac, MI.

While in Pontiac, together with her husband, Julia became a cornerstone of the Puerto Rican community. She was a founding member of the Puerto Rican Social Club and an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Church (now St. Damien of Molokai). Known to many as Mama Julia, she was always giving of her time and love. One of her favorite ways to demonstrate this love was by cooking. Throughout the years, she’s provided delicious food for many weddings, graduations, birthdays, and special events.

Julia’s big heart transcended beyond the Puerto Rican community. With open arms, she welcomed her home and her time to anyone who needed or asked, becoming a mother figure to many.

One of her favorite hobbies and great senses of pride was her garden. She filled her home with warmth with her beautiful flowers and also through song. Julia could always be heard humming a bolero or dancing a little salsa.

Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Julia is preceded in death by her Mother, Father, Husband, and Daughter, Socorro. She is survived and will be missed by her Daughter, Damaris, her two Sons & Son-in-Law, José Alfredo Jr., Gregory & Dillard, her Granddaughters, Dominique & Gia and many many others.

Exodus 23:20

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”