Joan M. Mulhern

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University of Vermont

Joan Mulhern Obituary

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joan M. Mulhern, 51, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Moretown and Waitsfield, Vt., and Sherborn, Mass., died Dec. 18, 2012, after complications from a long-term illness.

The devoted daughter of the late Marie L. (Henry) and John F. Mulhern, she was the beloved sister of Marie C., Martha L. and John C. Mulhern, of Boston, and the late Robert A. Mulhern. Dearly remembered niece and cousin, she will be missed by her many friends and colleagues.

Ms. Mulhern graduated from The University of Vermont in 1985. After graduation she was employed by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group as associate director, where she was a tenacious advocate for, among many things, the statewide regulation of mercury and other toxins in consumer products and the waste stream, the bottle bill and other recycling efforts, prohibiting low-level nuclear waste in Vermont landfills, and water withdrawal issues. She received recognition from the Tufts University Institute for the Environment and the Coalition of Northeastern Governors.

Joan then attended Georgetown Law School and graduated magna cum laude in 1997. As a student at Georgetown, Joan served along with law students from around the world as a citizen witness on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.

Upon returning to Washington, D.C., Joan worked with Ralph Nader at Public Citizen where she fought the tobacco industry.

Joan was senior legislative counsel at EarthJustice at the time of her death where she was remarkably dedicated to her work to save Appalachian waters and communities from the devastating effects of mountaintop removal mining, and protect Florida waters from toxic algae slime.

In the high-powered halls of Congress, Joan was a tireless advocate for the underdog. Even in the face of bleak politics and serious illness, Joan never lost her notorious wit and humor. She received national recognition in 2007 when Vanity Fair featured her in a photo essay called "Eco Heroes," where she appeared alongside luminaries like Robert Kennedy Jr. and EPA chief Carol Browner.

Throughout Joan's life and career, the Green Mountains of Vermont held a special place in her heart.

She was a lifelong Red Sox fan.

A memorial service will be held in the Eaton and Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre St., Newton Corner, Mass., on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to The Joan Mulhern Justice Fund, c/o EarthJustice, 50 California St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94111, or online at http://earthjustice.org/joan.

For directions to services, please visit www.eatonandmackay.com or call 617-244-2034.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Argus on Jan. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Mulhern

9 Entries

Laura Lovett

January 20, 2013

Joan has been mentioned in many of the articles I have studied during my Urban Studies and Planning curriculum at Portland State University. She will not be forgotten, and remains a hero and mentor through her work for many of us. Rest in Peace Joan, we'll continue your work, but you will be missed.

January 8, 2013

Thinking of all the Mulherns & keeping you in my prayers. May Joanie, my dear classmate from Dover Sherborn, rest in peace. Sincerely, Susan Berger Chrzanowski

Carole Fitzpatrick-Kilpela

January 8, 2013

I have many fond memories of of summers in Sherborn over at the Mulhern's - may you rest in peace Joanie.

Sally Conrad

January 2, 2013

I worked with Joan while she was at VPIRG in the 1980s while I was in the State Senate. She was a tremendous advocate then for the environment and we are all blessed that she went on to pursue her passion in Washington. I mourn her loss to our earth. My son-in-law, Brian Smith is on the staff of Earthjustice and I learned just months ago that Joan was in the Washington office. I had hoped to reconnect with Joan after all these years and let her know how happy I was that she was continuing her inspired work. But fate intervened. I send loving and healing thoughts to you all as well as gratitude for Joan's life well lived.

Jay Mulhern

December 31, 2012

Sad day, Joanie will be missed by all. Deepest condolences to her immediate family and close friends. I'll remember her in all those fun family ski & Ft. Lauderdale trips. Rest in peace.

Tracy Ash

December 31, 2012

You will never be forgotten and will be very missed.
Tracy Belcher Ash

D C

December 31, 2012

Sincere condolences for your loss. May you be comforted in the coming weeks and months by your love and shared memories.

Mary LaMacchia Pimentel

December 29, 2012

To Marie, Jackie, and Martha, Bob and I send our condolences on the loss of your sister Joanie. I was so saddened to learn of the news of her passing. It doesn't seem possible that the little girl I babysat for not so long ago and who was so full of energy has finished what she was put on this earth to do. Who would have guessed that the little sweet girl would grow up so fast and accomplish all she did in her short lived life. Joan was a remarkable woman but it doesn't surprise me because she and you had remarkable parents. I still cherish the memories of our times together in Sherborn when you were all young. You are all still dear to my heart. May God comfort you during this sad time. And may Joanie rest in peace as she joins your parents and brother Bobby. Love, Bob and Mary

Robyn and Larry

December 29, 2012

Always in our hearts and sadly missed.
With love from the Green Mountains,

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