Plawecki was a regular volunteer with Project Dignity Outreach, a local non-profit organization that feeds the homeless in Detroit.

DEARBORN
HEIGHTS – The local community is grieving over the untimely death of State
Representative Julie Plawecki, 54, who died on Saturday, June 25, from a
presumed heart attack while she was hiking with her daughter in Oregon.

Plawecki, who
was serving her first term in Michigan’s 11th District, which covers portions
of Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Westland and all of Inkster and Garden City, was
hailed as an activist and dedicated public leader by both Democratic and Republican
legislators and others who knew her.

She
served on two House committees: Energy and Natural Resources.

Prior to
serving in the Michigan House, Plawecki was already widely known in the
community. She was a medical technologist and a teacher of science, math and
religion at the elementary and secondary levels.

She had
received her bachelor’s degree from Oakland University and her professional
teaching certificate from the University of Michigan – Dearborn.

Plawecki
was the wife of 20th District Court Judge Mark Plawecki. Together they had
three daughters, Rachel, Lauren and Monica.

State Sen.
David Knezek (D- Dearborn Heights) issued a statement on his Facebook page,
mourning her loss. Plawecki succeeded Knezek as state rep. in the 11th
district. The two often formed a coalition on similar issues and attended
functions together.

Plawecki with her husband 20th District Judge Mark Plawecki.

“Julie
was just a great woman, that’s all there is to it,” Knezek said. “She was whip
smart. She had a heart of gold. She was a bulldog on issues she cared about.
She was a bulldog on issues you cared about, too. She was the epitome of
class.”

Rep.
Jon Hoadley, (D-Kalamazoo), said in a Facebook post that he got to know
Plawecki during the time they spent together on the House Floor.

“Her
energy and commitment meant that she showed up for you, so you wanted to show
up for her,” Hoadley wrote. “She would literally drive across the state to show
up at a tour because one of her friends in the Legislature — on either side of
the aisle — was arranging it. She remembered birthdays and major events. She
cared.”

Governor
Snyder issued a statement, stating that Plawecki’s passing has devastated both
parties in the house.

“Representative
Plawecki’s passing is a shock to us all and Michigan has lost a fine and
dedicated public servant,” Snyder said. “The outpouring of support and grief
from both sides of the aisle in both chambers of the Legislature are a
testament to how much Julie cared about serving her constituents and the state
of Michigan well and with distinction.”

Wayne
County Executive Warren Evans highlighted her work in the community in a brief
statement.

“I am saddened to learn of Dearborn Heights State Rep.
Julie Plawecki’s passing,” Evans said. “Her career as a teacher and her time in
the legislature are a testament to her commitment to our community. My thoughts
and prayers are with her husband, Mark, and her three daughters.”

Dearborn
Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko said he will most remember Plawecki’s commitment and concern for
the community.

“She
was very dedicated to education and concerned that all kids in Michigan receive
a first-class education,” Paletko said. “She was always very concerned about
her constituents’ problems and would call me and follow up if it was municipal-related.”

Plawecki
was widely known for her humanitarian work. She often dedicated her time and
services to Project Dignity Outreach, a local community organization that feeds
the homeless in Detroit.

On
Sunday afternoons, the non-profit group gathers on Third Street to pass out
warm meals to poverty-stricken groups, donated by community members.

But
on Sunday, June 26, less than 24 hours after Plawecki’s passing, members of
Project Dignity Outreach were feeling her absence.

“Today’s
picnic was tough for many, as we are grieving the loss of a very dear friend
and supporter of Project Dignity Outreach,” said President Nahid Ayoub. “She was a kind soul who
meant so much to so many. She was a humanitarian who touched the lives of
others with her generous heart and I am thankful I had the chance to know
someone like her. We all come together every Sunday to do what we can for those
who need help and bond in the process. Many bonded so easily with Julie, as she
was just such a warm and caring woman.”

Brian
Stone, a State Representative candidate for the 15th District, who frequently
participated with Plawecki on Project Dignity’s Sunday gatherings, said the
organization plans to hold a homeless feeding in Plawecki’s honor on an
upcoming date.

“It’s the best way we can
think to honor the memory of an angelic human being who touched the lives of so
many,” Stone said.

Plawecki
was running unopposed in the August 2 primary for re-election to her seat.
Democratic precinct delegates will soon select three candidates to fill her
vacancy on the ballot.

A
memorial gathering for Plawecki will take place at Divine Child in Dearborn at
1055 N. Silvery Lane, on Saturday, July 2 at 9:30 a.m.

Gov. Snyder ordered U.S. and
Michigan flags within the Capitol complex and the 11th District of the House of
Representatives to be lowered to half-staff on July 2 in honor of the State
Rep.