Julie Marchand

Julie Marchand

1945 - 2011

On May 31, 2011, Julie Marchand passed away peacefully at the age of 65.

Julie was born in Spokane, Washington on September 14, 1945 to Dorothy and Carroll Marchand. She was the second of four children and grew up in the Midwest. After her family moved to Southern California, Julie went on to study art at UC Berkeley in the early 1960's. She continued exploring creative expression through a variety of mediums including watercolor, pastels, jewelry, pottery, and fabric arts. Her artistry extended into her magical garden where she spent much of her time in her later years, and into her mouth-watering desserts.

While at UC Berkeley, Julie met her future husband Michel Small. They married in Atascadero, California. They spent the early years of their marriage in New York and Pennsylvania, and then eventually settled in Redding, California to raise their four children over the course of twenty-nine years.

Julie has provided emotional and spiritual support for many people throughout her life. She worked as a biodynamic therapist for the last twenty-five years. She also hosted workshops, study groups and gatherings in and outside of her home. Julie was well-known for her wacky sense of humor, spontaneous dancing and strong commitment to spiritual study.

Julie explored her deep and constant love for God through many paths. She was a member of the Center for Spiritual Living and the Pilgrim Congregational Church, and she also attended the Catholic Church for many years. She traveled the US and to India to study eastern spirituality. She poured her energy into her spiritual pursuits, using prayer, meditation and yoga as a vehicle of transformation for herself and others. She had an extraordinary gift for finding the places in the heart where all paths intersect, and for taking others to that place.

Julie is survived by her children Ivan, Karina and Natasha, her long-time partner Ed Beier, and her four grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Gabriel. We imagine they are having a joyful, dancing reunion now.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Solace Cancer Care, Copper Ridge Care Center, and the many people who have supported Julie and traveled the final stage of this journey with her.

Julie's memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Pilgrim Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Foundation North or to Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com