Julia Lussier, age 92, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at the home of her son and surrounded by family. She was born February 17, 1928 in Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy, the daughter of Vito and Nerina (DiBlasio) Alcini.
Julia immigrated with her parents to America in 1929 and grew up in a tight-knit family in north Detroit. She was one of eight children and very athletic as a young woman, playing on the basketball and golf teams at Pershing High School. She also became an avid bowler, playing in several leagues.
In 1947, she married Roger Lussier, and in 1956 they and their five young children moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. Julia loved to cook the many Italian dishes that had been passed on to her by her mother. She had much energy and, besides raising a family, often took on other jobs. With her husband, she ventured into business opening a pizzeria, Antonio’s, in Battle Creek. In 1976, she and Roger moved to Chelsea, Michigan, and once again opened the second incarnation of Antonio’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In her “retirement,” she continued expressing her love of cooking through her own catering business.
Julia has been a devoted parishioner of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, volunteering in church activities. Her faith has been a very important part of her life, and she was at peace as she approached death knowing that she would meet her loving God in the life to come.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, in 2002, and two great-grandchildren, Emma Yezbick and Katherine Rose Lussier, brother, Dominic Alcini, sister, Anna Male, sister, Helen Guastini, sister, Celia Franconi, brother, Raymond Alcini, and brother, Charles Alcini. She is survived by her brother, William Alcini, her five children—Rena McLynn, Michele Lussier, Christopher (Carolyn) Lussier, Anthony (Catherine) Lussier, and Denise (Gary) Yezbick. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren, all of whom she was extremely proud.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Center or St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
