Julia Downs

1978 - 2021

Julia Clark Downs



Mother, daughter, sister and much-loved friend to many, Julia Clark Downs, 43, passed away on October 5, 2021 in Taos, New Mexico, after her car was struck by another motorist at high speed.

Ms. Downs was born May 25, 1978, in Evanston, Illinois, to Emilie and Clark Downs. She grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She attended The National Presbyterian School and was a graduate of the Holton-Arms School, where she was a member of the It's Academic Team and played soccer. Julia spent many summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Alleghany in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Julia studied English literature and Spanish language at the University of Maryland at College Park. She also studied in Budapest while at Maryland, beginning her broad international travels. After she received her bachelor's degree, Ms. Downs worked at The Institute of International Education and the Landmine Survivors Network, which had her travel to El Salvador and Bosnia-Herzegovina and ignited her passion to make the world a better place for all.

Julia served her country as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama. Living alone in a cinder block house in the rural area to which she was initially assigned as a Sustainable Agricultural coach, Julia, characteristically, developed her own portfolio. Julia's preliminary assessment of her community indicated significant environmental damage resulting from slash and burn methods, use of pesticides, hunting of endangered species and a culture dominated by machismo. Julia's analysis identified malnutrition, adolescent pregnancy, sexual abuse, domestic violence and ignorance concerning health challenges as issues vexing her Panamanian community. In response, Julia commenced a campaign to enhance the awareness of other Peace Corps volunteers about issues of self-esteem, HIV/AIDS, sexual health and gender equality. Julia spoke widely throughout Panama, giving charlas addressing such matters.

In her own community, Julia held open forums on and spoke to school faculty about sexual abuse and appropriate relations between teachers and students. Within months of these conversations, the community called in local officials and two teachers in the middle school were arrested for sexual abuse of students.

After returning from Panama, Ms. Downs pursued a law degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. After passing the Bar, she spent seven years as an assistant district attorney in Valencia County, New Mexico. Julia resigned from that position in order to be more present for her son's care. She continued her law practice serving private clients and assisting other lawyers and serving as a public defender for the Isleta Pueblo. Recently, following the shooting death of her longtime partner, Julia relocated to Taos where she joined the District Attorney's office as a senior assistant.

Julia was an avid runner, skier, soccer player and overall outdoor enthusiast. She was a creative cook, who could create great dishes without any sort of recipe. Julia was a feminist and a courageous advocate for the underdog. Most important, she was the loving and devoted mother of her 12-year-old son Gavin.

She was preceded in death by her partner Karl Jurisson, her maternal grandparents, Betty and Bill Hartnett, and her paternal grandparents, Josephine and Willis Downs. She is survived by her son, Gavin; her parents, Emilie and Clark; her sister, Morgan O'Donnell; her brother-in-law, Sean O'Donnell, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Julia will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of Julia's life and courage will be held at 11 a.m. (MDT) on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. To insure the safety of all, the Church asks everyone attending in person to wear a mask and maintain social distance. Others may participate in the service on Zoom:

Topic: Julia Downs Service

Time: Nov 6, 2021 10:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88341465783

Meeting ID: 883 4146 5783

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A subsequent celebration will be held in the Washington DC area.

Contributions honoring Julia's life may be made to the Taos Community Foundation, PO Box 1925, Taos, New Mexico 87571; or to the National Woman's Law Center, 11 Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036. In either case, please note Julia Clark Downs on the memo line.