Julie Ellen McGaffigan

Julie Ellen (West) McGaffigan, age 73, of Swartz Creek, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 7, 2026, at McLaren Flint. A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. A private burial will take place at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint. In honor of Julie, the family kindly asks that guests wear bright or pastel colors to the visitation on Saturday, celebrating the joy and light she brought to the lives of those around her. In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that flowers be sent in Julie’s memory, as she loved the beauty and joy that flowers brought to the world.

Julie was born on July 17, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of William and Anna (Styes) West. She spent much of her life in Swartz Creek and graduated from Swartz Creek Mary Crapo High School. Julie was a gifted and passionate artist who found great joy in creating, appreciating, and sharing art with others. She enjoyed teaching art and design and touched the lives of many through her creativity and encouragement.

Julie attended Mott Community College and the University of Michigan-Flint. During her college years, she was given the extraordinary opportunity to study abroad at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti e Liceo Artistico Firenze) in Florence, Italy, from 1973 to 1974. Her love of art and design remained a lifelong passion.

Julie’s interests were as varied and creative as she was. She loved design, art, movies, music, and gardening. She appreciated all forms of art—whether it was something hanging on the wall, music playing on the radio, or a beautiful piece displayed on the mantel. She had a natural gift for making the world around her more beautiful and found happiness in surrounding herself with things that inspired her.

Julie was also deeply spiritual and was always thinking of others. She was a supportive and encouraging friend to many of her fellow artists, celebrating their work and cheering them on. She took great pride in helping make her class reunions special, working to make them the best they could possibly be for her childhood classmates. She enjoyed giving thoughtful gifts and doing the little things that made the people she loved feel remembered and special.

Above all, Julie’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Thomas; son, Brent McGaffigan; daughter, Dr. Hilary Manees and her husband, Dr. Christopher Manees; grandson, Bryce Manees; mother, Anna West; sister, Deborah Weiershauser; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Julie also had a very special place in her heart for her beloved Shetland Sheepdogs. She loved all of her “sheltie babies,” past and present, and cherished them as members of her family. Julie was preceded in death by her father, William West, and her brother, Billy West.

Julie’s generous heart, creativity, kindness, spirituality, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed. Her ability to find beauty in the world, encourage others, and make the people around her feel loved and special will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, art, friendship, and family that will be forever remembered. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com