Julia Miwa Wellesley, MA Demise, Tribute: Cherished Educator, Sportswoman Julia Miwa Wellesley Departed Suddenly

 The Wellesley community is grieving the significant loss of Julia Hendrix Miwa, a cherished scholar, athlete, mentor, and friend, who peacefully departed last evening. Her leaving coincided with an awe-inspiring display of the aurora borealis—an exceptional and suitable farewell for a woman whose brilliance extended well beyond the observable horizon.

To her close companions, Julia was lovingly referred to as “Auntie Julia,” the individual they relied on without question. She was listed as the emergency contact on camp paperwork, the call they made when seeking assistance, comfort, or merely a reliable presence. Through years of shared Thanksgiving meals, Christmas celebrations, performing arts shows, and impromptu evenings by the fireplace with pizza and wine, Julia became intricately intertwined in the fabric of her community. She wholeheartedly supported others, and in response, they treasured every moment spent alongside her and her family.

Julia possessed an extraordinary intellect, and her compassion was equally remarkable. Serving as an esteemed professor of organic chemistry at Wellesley College, she embodied the blend of empathy and brilliance. She motivated numerous young women to persevere—to tackle difficult exams, daunting coursework, and the hurdles of pursuing scientific careers. Julia had a profound belief in her students and devoted her professional life to creating opportunities for them.

In one of her last discussions, she talked about assisting a young learner in understanding chemistry by relating it to real-world applications. Indeed, just hours later, the universe offered a poignant reminder: the northern lights, a breathtaking natural occurrence resulting from chemistry itself—charged particles from the sun interacting with oxygen and nitrogen in Earth's atmosphere, creating ribbons of color in the night sky. It felt as if Julia’s influence, her curiosity, and her passion for science brightened the skies in her memory.

Outside of academia, Julia was also a dedicated athlete. She infused every pursuit, including running the Boston Marathon, with determination and joy—reflections of her spirit, strength, and discipline.

Her passing creates an immeasurable absence in the lives of her family, her students, and everyone fortunate enough to have shared in her radiance. Nevertheless, her legacy—filled with knowledge, resilience, love, and vibrant curiosity—will persist through the many individuals she inspired.

May Julia Hendrix Miwa find eternal peace. May her memory serve as a blessing, a source of guidance, and an unwavering light—like the aurora that illuminated the sky as she journeyed home.