Julia Ann Tarsa

Julia Ann Tarsa, age 64, of East Lansing, passed away June 26, 2026, due to cancer. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the beloved daughter of Albin and Margaret (Kolarik) Tarsa.

After attending Holy Rosary and St. Mary Catholic Schools, Julia pursued post-secondary education at Central Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Home Economics and Art, followed by a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling. Her dedication to helping others led her to obtain her Approved Clinical Supervisor License through the State of Michigan, where she became skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Planning — a career that was a natural extension of who she already was at her core. 

The oldest of eight children, Julia was, in every sense, the leader of the pack. She set an example for her siblings through her boundless care, creativity, and kindness, charting a path forward and showing them what it looked like to show up for the people around you. 

What Julia had was a rare gift: the ability to make anyone she met feel seen, welcomed, and included. It was a gift she shared freely and often. As a child, she organized neighborhood fairs and performances, bringing families together for fun and laughter. In high school she gathered a team of peers to organize safe, area-wide social opportunities for teens. Deeply involved in 4-H, she was instrumental in creating the Up with 4-H program, which showcased the multiple talents of 4-H participants at their annual Achievement Day, and in creating a local post-high school 4-H group. 

And every summer, much to the absolute delight of her 20 nieces and nephews, Aunt Julia — together with Uncle Kevin — spearheaded an annual Niece and Nephew Campout that became the highlight of the season. For the children, it was magic. For the parents, it was a gift. For Julia, it was simply who she was: creating community, sharing responsibility, nurturing the next generation, and making sure everyone had a place at the table. 

Julia was an artist at heart — she filled her days with music and color, playing the hammered dulcimer and painting pictures that now hang lovingly in the homes of family and friends, each one a piece of her spirit which they get to keep close. Her dogs were her children, her constant companions, and every year she'd gather them up for her “family” Christmas card — a tradition her family and friends looked forward to and treasured. 

Julia is survived by her seven siblings: Kevin (Paul Heaton) Tarsa, Stephen (Diana) Tarsa, Nathan (Tammy) Tarsa, Matthew Tarsa, Renee (Joseph) Hobbins, Aaron (Brenda) Tarsa, and Sarah Tarsa; and her cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albin and Margaret Tarsa, an older sister, Lisa, and her niece, Holly Anne Tarsa, both of whom died in infancy. 

Julia Ann Tarsa leaves behind a community she built with her own two hands and heart — one kind act, one open door, one campout at a time. She will be deeply missed and long remembered.

In accordance with Julia's wishes, cremation has taken place and private interment will be held at St. Rita/St. Joseph Cemetery in Maple City, with a special marker at the family homestead. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 28, 2026. 

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan (10850 E. Traverse Highway, Suite 3325Traverse City, MI 49684) and the Leelanau County 4-H Youth Association (8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suite 107, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. On checks, designate "Julia Tarsa Memorial").