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SHUTESBURY - Julie Anne Graham, of Shutesbury, died on Sunday, April 4, 2010.

Much loved daughter of Judy Graham of Sarasota, Fla., and the late Jack Graham, sister of Alfie Graham and Lisa (deceased), sister-in-law of Megan Rutherford, aunt of Julian Graham and Caroline Rutherford of New York City, longtime friend of Sharon Livesey of New York and Katherine Gibson of Sydney, Australia, Julie was a loyal member of the Cooleyville community, and a mentor and inspiration to far too many to name. Though often venturing abroad to pursue her friendships and her work in places as far-flung as Australia, Italy and the Far East, and though tempted once to consider a move to New York City, the south side of Shutesbury Hill was the place she called home.

Julie first came to the Valley to study at Smith College in 1963. After graduation, she moved to Cooleyville, where she forged sustaining friendships. At Clark University, where she did a PhD in economic geography, she and Kath began what ultimately became the writing partnership of J.K. Gibson-Graham, out of which grew a widely published literature of inspiration for social change. After Clark, she came to the Geography Program in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Here, her collegiality, research, and teaching have left an indelible mark (see http://forjuliegraham.wordpress.com/ ). She was a guiding intellect in the Association for Economic and Social Analysis and a supervisor of many doctoral and master's students across a variety of disciplines. Her research on alternative economic development pathways forged important relationships with many community organizations and economic activists in the Pioneer Valley. Curious and open to new ideas, Julie took as a guiding principle that the unexamined life was not worth living. Her life's work became a practice of unearthing hidden values and possibilities in people and communities.

Laughing, loving, compassionate and empathetic, but also challenging and questioning, she deeply touched and transformed all those who came within her ken. She lived and savored her life fully, with tremendous courage and style, despite the challenges of her last few years. She gained great solace and support from Buddhist teachings and was a devoted member of the Bodhisara Dharma community. Her hope for the planet and love of nature was unquenchable. In Cooleyville, in Amherst, and beyond, she will be sorely missed.

A gathering in her honor will be held at her house on Saturday, April 10, from noon to 5 p.m.