JULIA NATHANSON

JULIA NATHANSON
June 28, 1930 - October 20, 2025
Longtime Santa Fe resident Julia Salcido Nathanson passed away on October 20th in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 95. Julia lived a long and deeply meaningful life, being of service to those around her and her community.
Born in Wilmington, California, Julia was the eldest daughter of Julian Salcido, a hardworking longshoreman from Chihuahua, Mexico, and Louise Notah, a Navajo born in To'hajiilee, New Mexico, who worked as a transcriptionist. Julia inherited resilience and a profound sense of service to others from both her parents.
In 1948, Julia enrolled in Pomona College, where she was one of only six female students in her graduating class of 1952. She went on to become a secondary teacher, a role she cherished deeply. Julia spent twenty years teaching high school in the Los Angeles school district.
In 1969, she married Albert Nathanson. Together, Julia and Albert raised their two children, George and Christine, in Los Angeles, California. Following her retirement in 1979, Julia and her family traded the smog and sprawl of Los Angeles for the fresh air and sweeping horizons of Santa Fe.
Julia continued to give back to her community by serving on the New Mexico Child Abuse Citizen's Review Board. She chaired the New Mexico Indian Education Association and was a dedicated member of the League of Women Voters. Julia was a constant and loving presence in her children's lives, supporting their education and extracurricular activities. She remained a devoted mother and wife until losing her beloved Albert in the spring of 2022.
Julia passed away peacefully with her son, George, and daughter, Christine, at her bedside.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Louise; her brother, Rueben; and her husband of 53 years, Albert.
Julia is survived by her children, George Nathanson and Christine Matchett, and her seven grandchildren; her sister, Patricia King; and her nieces, Juliet and Rachel.
A memorial service will be held at Rivera Family Memorial, 417 East Rodeo Rd., on December 6th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Empty Stocking Fund to help local families.