Judge Julie Altwies

Judge Julie Altwies

Retired Chief Judge Julie Altwies has died. Julie was born February 22, 1958 in Tiffin, Ohio to parents Jim and Janet Altwies. She is the eldest of three daughters, including Jolene and Jane. Julie was a respected prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney and Chief Judge of the Metropolitan Court of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. "Emceeing Julie's investiture as Chief Judge was one of the greatest honors of my life," said her best friend of 54 years Karen Gallagher.

An outspoken champion of civil rights, women's rights and gender equality, Julie's lifelong hero was Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her admiration for Justice Ginsburg reflected Julie's deep love for her country, the Constitution and the rule of law.

Julie was loved and respected by all who knew her personally and professionally, and was a bonus mother, Aunt and Grandmother to many whose goal was to emulate Julie's sense of fairness, kindness and respect for all people. She looked upon her step-daughter, Michelle Kavanaugh as the daughter she always prayed for, along with Michelle's son, Ulysses; daughter, Viviana Hoagland, husband Evan and their daughter, Ella.

Julie mentored many young legal professionals throughout her career, some of whom were former assistant district attorneys who are now Judges. Many of them credit Julie for their success in the legal field, teaching them to be tough but compassionate. She was proud of her role as Drug Court Judge and lifted up thousands of people to a lifetime of sobriety. She was also a tireless supporter and advocate for victims of violent crimes, staying in touch with many of them for years after prosecuting their cases.

Julie especially cherished her years at Radford High School in Hawaii, so much so she made the island of Kaua'i her home for years before and after the Covid pandemic.

The only thing she loved as much as her family and friends were the three dogs that stole her heart throughout her life; George, Duke and Buddy. She once said that "if everyone in this life could own a golden retriever, we could achieve world peace."

Julie is survived by her mother, Janet; and sisters, Jolene (wife of Mary and parents of Hudson and Hazel) and by her youngest sister Jane, mother of Abraham (girlfriend Kaelyn) and Allison (husband Jay). She was known for showing up at all family events loaded down with presents for everyone but it was her presence that was our greatest gift in life. She will be forever loved and missed.

Julie's celebration of life will be September 12th, 2025 at French's funeral home on Wyoming Boulevard, Albuquerque, N.M.

In the spirit of Julie's generosity, donations can be made to Animal Humane Society and Planned Parenthood.

A visitation for Julie will be held Friday September 12, 2025, from 6:00pm-6:30pm, followed by a memorial service from 6:30pm-7:00pm. A reception will follow at the funeral home.

Please come wearing your best Hawaiian outfit to honor Julie's love of the Hawaiian islands.

"Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don't do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for having lived." Ruth Bader Ginsburg