Julia Baker Schnupp

Julia Baker Schnupp, 79, died peacefully after a short stay at Gilchrist Hospice on March 6 with her husband of 26 years Kevin Schnupp, children John and Mary Menzies Etherton, and daughter-in-law Michelle Menzies at her side. She spent 10 months prior at her Ruxton home fighting glioblastoma with tenacity, humor, and a great appetite. In addition to family, her caregivers, especially Fracine Wiggins and Pam Smalls, were loving … and loved.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Kevin A. Schnupp, her children Dr. John B. Menzies, Mary M. Etherton, Dr. Timothy C. Schnupp, Lauren S. VanDixhorn, 10 grandchildren and 3 siblings – Susan Powell and Will and Ben Baker.

Julia’s enthusiasm for life and her infectious smile and loving spirit touched all who knew her. She lit up a room, smiling, laughing and telling stories.

Julia loved nature, especially at her summer retreat on Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She swam every day she was there, no matter the temperature. Playing tennis, hiking, water skiing, mountain climbing, and anything else outdoors gave her such pleasure as did her years singing in the choir at the Church of the Redeemer. She was on the Vestry and the Altar Guild and produced the Children’s Christmas Pageant for many years at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Julia was the daughter of Baltimore physician and cancer researcher Benjamin Baker and lawyer Julia Clayton Baker. She was the granddaughter of William L. Clayton, Under Secretary of State during the Truman Administration and a primary architect of the Marshall Plan.

Julia attended Tufts University earning a BA in French. Later in life she attended CCBC to become a Certified Physician’s Assistant. She volunteered as a full-time PA in women’s health at Mercy Hospital of Baltimore.

For many years Julia furthered her education by attending the Renaissance Institute at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Julia believed deeply in giving back to the community. Among her most cherished opportunities (she called them), her decades long volunteer service as a tutor to help Baltimore children’s reading comprehension at Brown Memorial in Bolton Hill stood out.

Her charities included Doctors without Borders, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and several children’s education organizations.

The family will hold a celebration of life at a date to be determined in the Spring. They ask that no flowers be sent, but memorial contributions may be sent to Brown Memorial Child tutoring Program c/o Brown Memorial Church, 1316 Park Ave, Baltimore, 21217 or at wwwbrowndowntown.com. Friends may also post memories and photographs on Julia’s page at the Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center.

Julia will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her.