Julia Theresa DURM

24 MAR 1936 - 22 DEC 2022

• BIRTH: 24 MAR 1936, Niles, Berrien, MI
• DEATH: 22 DEC 2022, Niles, Berrien, MI

• MARRIAGE: 3 JUN 1961, St Marys Catholic, Niles MI

INDEX

[N27071] Julia Theresa Durm
March 24, 1936 - December 22, 2022

Julia Theresa (Durm) LaSata, 86, of Niles, Michigan, wife, mother, grandmother and proud Registered Nurse, died peacefully on December 22, 2022. Julia was born on March 24, 1936 in Niles Michigan and lived in Niles her entire life. She was dedicated to making her hometown, and Berrien County, a better place for all residents. After graduating from St. Francis School of Nursing in Evanston, Illinois as a Registered Nurse, she worked briefly at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She then happily returned to Niles where she worked and taught nursing at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. During this time Julia met her husband Charles J. LaSata who was a lawyer in South Bend. They were married in 1961 and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary until Charles' passing on January 1, 2021.Julia deeply valued nature and believed that being outside was the best place to be. She served as a member, then President, of the Greater Niles Recreation Board for years. She was extraordinarily proud of her work for over 43 years as Chairperson and Board member on the Berrien County Parks Board. Julia was instrumental in securing and developing Silver Beach County Park for the public and never missed a chance to visit any number of our County Parks. With deep roots in her community, Julia was involved in many organizations and projects. As a member at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, she was on the Parish Council, advocated for girl altar servers and for years organized the legendary Pascal Meal. After her children were grown, she worked as a Registered Nurse for the Berrien County Health Department for several years with many close friends from Niles. Berrien County was not the only place that held a special place in her heart. Julia particularly loved going to her family's cabin near St. Ignace, Michigan. She would visit with family and enjoy sunsets over Lake Michigan.For 50 years, she and her husband Charlie made an annual trek to Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island, Florida. Ever the nurse, she began a blood pressure clinic. Anyone in need could knock on Julia's door at all hours and find help. She loved spending Christmas on Sanibel. In recent years, even though she was battling dementia, she still treasured spending time with her family and caretakers (the "Ladies"), working in her gardens and a good game of cribbage. She loved laughter and often found it by playing practical jokes on her grandchildren. Surviving family include her children: Charlie (& Kim) LaSata of Coloma, Michigan; Laura (& Dan) O'Neill, of Chicago, Illinois; and Mary (& Jim) Spiegel of Benton Harbor; grandchildren: Sarah, Anna, Chas, and Claire LaSata; Tim, John, Robert, and Annie O'Neill; and Julia and Eileen Spiegel; her siblings: Charles Durm of Niles, Michigan; Mary (& Tom) Mechtenberg of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Joseph (& Sandra) Durm of St. Ignace, Michigan; and Marge (& Donald) Hiatt of Niles, Michigan; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles J., an infant son Thomas Karol LaSata and a brother Thomas Patrick Durm of St Ignace. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 207 South Lincoln Street in Niles by the Rev. Christian Johnston. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29th at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main, Niles, Michigan with recitation of The Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Julia may be made to Berrien County Parks via the Berrien Community Foundation at, and the Saint Mary Parish Christian Service Center, 219 South State Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: www.halbritterwickens.com

Posted online on December 29, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune

BERRIEN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2019

B1910324 Honorary Resolution
Commissioner Majerek read the following Honorary Resolution #B1910324:
WHEREAS, Public Act 261 of 1965 authorizes the creation of county parks and recreation commissions; and
WHEREAS, as authorized by the statute, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners authorized the creation of
the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission; and
WHEREAS, very early in the appointment of residents to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Julia LaSata of
Niles was appointed to the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission; and
WHEREAS, through that role, she has been a part of greatly improved and expanded recreational opportunities
for the residents and visitors of Berrien County; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. LaSata is stepping away from the Parks and Recreation Commission to spend more time with
her family after serving over 40 years in that role; and
WHEREAS, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners deems it appropriate to honor Julia LaSata for her many
years of service to the citizens of Berrien County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Berrien County Board of Commissioners thanks Julia
LaSata for being a true asset to the citizens of Berrien County and wishes her a life filled with happiness and good
health.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Julia LaSata’s life, actions, and contributions reflect most favorably upon
herself, her family, Berrien County, the State of Michigan, and the United States of America.