†Sister Julia Nellett, OP

This is what Yahweh asks of you, only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Julia and her twin sister Jennie first surprised their parents very early in life. Chester and Mable (Badour) Nellett believed their two sons, Chester and Henry, would be their only children, though they hoped for more. Then came unexpected news: the doctor told Mrs. Nellett that the “tumor” she had worried about was actually twins. On November 4, 1945, Julia and Jennie were born, and the family joyfully welcomed these delightful, unexpected additions.

The Nellett family remained close throughout their lives. Julia and Jennie shared many experiences, but each kept one important secret from the other: both had applied to enter the Dominican Sisters. Their second great surprise came when two letters arrived at their parents’ home on the same day, announcing that both daughters had been accepted into the congregation. To the delight of Julia, Jennie, and their parents, the twins entered together on September 8, 1963. Julia received the name Sister Marcus and later returned to her baptismal name following the reforms of Vatican II.

Sister Julia served in food service from 1966 to 1980. Her ministry began at St. Francis in Traverse City and continued in Grand Rapids at Marywood, St. Joseph Seminary, and the House of Studies. She also served at Sacred Heart in Mt. Pleasant.

In 1975, Sister Julia, along with several other sister-homemakers, took advantage of an opportunity to study food service at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. The program provided practical training in techniques, nutrition, food safety, budgeting, and business management, while also offering courses in personal, spiritual, and psychological growth.

Mindful of both the cost as well as the value of the program, Sister Julia arranged to borrow their parents’ motor home to reduce expenses and enable seven sisters to participate. The experience had a lasting impact on her. New skills, greater confidence, and renewed self-esteem became evident almost immediately. Sister Julia excelled in this program and earned a Certificate in Food Service Management.

Although Sister Julia enjoyed food service, she came to realize there were other ways she could serve. As sisters began wearing contemporary clothing rather than the traditional habit and veil, she noticed a growing need for hair-care services within the community. She decided to broaden her ministry by becoming a hairstylist. She received the necessary permissions, applied to the J.J. Murphy Beauty School and earned a cosmetology certificate after completing the coursework and an internship at Blair Haus in Gaylord. There she discovered how much she enjoyed the work—not only styling hair but also connecting with people through conversation and genuine concern for each client.

Anyone who sat in Sister Julia’s chair could testify that she was a wonderful listener. She created a relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere where people could share their joys and worries and leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Back in Grand Rapids, Sister Julia worked at Creston Heights Salon, Aquinata Hall, and Marywood. She later moved to Essexville, closer to her family, and eventually to Cadillac, where she worked for eleven years at New Image Salon. She later returned to Grand Rapids and lived at the congregation’s formation house. Here she continued her ministry as a hairstylist at Today’s Headlines and influenced newer members by her hospitality and joyful living of Dominican life.

Successful and deeply appreciated in this role, Sister Julia was still ready for yet another change. She answered the congregation’s call to serve as Car Care Coordinator, where her organizational skills and practical knowledge were put to excellent use. For ten years she combined both ministries, eventually retiring from hair care while continuing as car coordinator until health challenges necessitated retirement.

Wherever she lived and ministered, Sister Julia brought warmth, humor, and hospitality. She had a practical, down-to-earth manner that made every convent feel like home. She accepted people as they were and expressed her love through countless thoughtful words and acts of kindness. This capacity became clear when she and Sister Dominica were so effective in making sure everyone on a cruise ship felt included and had a good time that the directors offered the two of them a contract to head up the entertainment offerings for the company!

Her favorite quotation was: “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I may not pass this way again.”

Sister Julia was deeply loved by her extended family throughout her life, and remained closely connected through visits, phone calls and letters. All who knew and loved Sister Julia give thanks for the gift of her life and her love. Through her kindness, concern, and faithful care, she blessed each of us and our community every single day.

Sr. Julia is survived by Frank LaLonde, many nieces and nephews, friends, and members of her Dominican Community.