Henrietta Giuliani

Henrietta Giuliani was a beloved wife, daughter, and friend. She embraced every single one of life's moments and experiences, almost as though she were carefully crafting every single minute to be the best it could possibly be. Whether it was working at Teledyne Continental Motors, playing on their golf league, or enjoying the sunshine in Florida with her husband, she gave one hundred and ten percent to each relationship and obligation she had, but not once did she make the mistake of taking herself or life too seriously. The year was 1921 and the roaring twenties were in full swing. With the sweet sound of jazz music playing on the radio, the American dream was working at a fevered pitch and good fortune was alive and well. While farming was still the mainstay of the more rural communities, cities like Muskegon, Michigan were bustling with business and industry. Muskegon was also the home of Henry and Anna (Hyma) Cooper and their three children, Frederick, Marcella and Kathryn. Henry worked as a sales manager for a clothing store while Anna cared for the home and the children. They were all anxiously awaiting the birth of child number four, and on a cold January 9, 1921, Henrietta Mae was born. Tragically, Henrietta never knew her father as he died before she was born. Henrietta and her siblings grew up in Muskegon and attended the public schools. She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1939. The family was faithful members of Central Reformed Church, and Henrietta remained here until the church disbanded and she joined the First Congregational. She always liked to be active and was an energetic part of the Ladies Guild and also participated in Bible study. After graduation, Henrietta began working as a secretary and stenographer for Teledyne Continental Motors in Muskegon. Through some friends, Milly and Pauline Sibille, she was introduced to a fine gentleman named John Giuliani. Henrietta was much taken by John and the feeling was mutual. They began dating and on July 27, 1963, became husband and wife. John had four children - three daughters, Carrol, Sanda and Rose and a son, John Jr. Henrietta welcomed them with open arms. In spite of her busy work schedule, Henrietta still found time to be active and have fun. She loved to play golf and was on a league at Continental Motors. She was a member of the local YMCA and was an avid swimmer. She was even part of a group called the Aqua Waves. She kept her hands busy sewing and made many of her own beautiful outfits. Henrietta was long time member of a Pinochle club where her friends called her Coop. Enjoying the fine arts was a favorite pastime and she had season tickets to the Muskegon Community Concerts. Her foot was always tapping to the music and she especially liked the sounds of the Big Bands. She volunteered for many years as an usher at The Frauenthal Theater, in downtown Muskegon., one of Muskegons more famous landmarks. After she and John retired, they moved to Naples, Florida to get away from the harsh Michigan winters. True to Henriettas nature, the park they lived in was home to other active people and she enjoyed all the friends they made and the activities that were offered. She could often be seen riding her bike around the park. When John died in 2000, Henrietta was devastated but with the support of her friends and faith, life went on. She even drove herself to Florida one year at the age of 82. In 2001, she drove a powerboat for the first time. No adventure was too much for Henrietta. When Johns children had children of their own, Henrietta loved being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She was also very close to her nieces and nephews and time spent with family was very important to her. As time went on, Henriettas health began to fade, but her faith never wavered. She knew when that final day arrived, and she arrived in Heaven, she would see her father for the first time. Though our time here on earth is brief, using the gifts and abilities we have been blessed with to better the lives of others is what makes our time so valuable and our role irreplaceable. Henrietta Giuliani best accomplished this through the moments she shared with her husband, the years she spent with her grandchildren and the profession she chose to work in. She had a rich and full life, and leaves behind countless fond memories for her family and friends that loved her so much. Mrs. Henrietta M. Giuliani, age 87, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008. She is survived by her nieces, Jan Wallstead of Fruitport, Marcia (Bob) Johnson, Nancy (Joe) Kimble, & Betty Hennrick, all of Muskegon, Carol (Jack) Voss of Okemos, and Barb (Larry) Pickle of FL; stepdaughters, Carrol (Bernie) DeWeese of Kalamazoo, Sanda (Jerry) Hartman of Allegan, Rose Ann (Wynn) Morrie of Allegan; stepson, John Giuliani Jr. of CA; step grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren; step nieces & nephews; many great & great great nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2000; parents; siblings, Fredrick Cooper, Marcella Hartz, and Kathryn Vickers. Services will take place Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Harbor Hospice, or Muskegon Rescue Mission. Please visit Henriettas personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.