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JULIA C. SCHIEFFELIN

About

Brearley School Radcliffe College

FUNERAL HOME

Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel

1076 Madison Ave

New York City, New York

JULIA SCHIEFFELIN Obituary

SCHIEFFELIN--Julia Cooper. Died June 19th in New York City. Born in New York City, she was educated at Madeira School. Radcliffe College and Columbia Law School. She spent her professional career first as a teacher and administrator at the Brearley School, then as a grant writer and development professional at cultural and civic institutions including Union Theological Seminary, the New York Public Library, Planned Parenthood and the Guggenheim Museum. Julie was the consummate New Yorker - well educated, intellectually sophisticated, cultured and wickedly witty. Reading a sage, amusing, elegantly-written letter from Julie or experiencing her effortlessly-eloquent, clever discourse was an event to savor. She was passionately interested in arts, politics, and history, and developed a huge circle of friends who adored her for her big heart, rapier-sharp intellect, delicious sense of humor and astonishing range of knowledge. She treasured her friendship with Bill W. She leaves her beloved partner Betsy Tanner, her brother Lindsay Schieffelin and his wife Christina, her brother John Schieffelin and his wife Linda and five nephews and a niece. The Funeral Service will be at Saint James Church, 865 Madison Avenue, at 3:00pm on Tuesday, June 28th. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Fresh Air Fund, 633 Third Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JULIA SCHIEFFELIN

16 Entries

July 16, 2011

Julie was one of the loveliest persons I met in the city. We were friends for over 30 years. I was always delighted when I ran into her somewhere. She was bright, loving and caring, and she had a great sense of fun and humor about her. She did two big favors for me here in New York which had great impact on my social life. My husband and I will miss her greatly. She was genuine and caring in so many ways and she always had time for you. Julie's in God's everylasting Glory now. Love, Carol B. Traynor

Karen Sonet-Rosenthal

July 3, 2011

"Ms. Schieffelin" was a wonderful teacher, but I will never forget her for her unbelievable kindness to me when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 1980 right before my exams in 11th grade. She wrote me the most beautiful letter, including quotes from King Lear, that we were reading at the time. It meant so much to my mother too. I am convinced that my Mom's annual Brearley contribution stems directly from that beautiful and loving letter.

Nancy Thun

June 29, 2011

I got to know Julie through my friend Betsy. She was a big woman-like me, very precise-unlike me, generous yet wonderfully frugal and concerned about what is just and fair in the world. Her story is over before it was finished and that saddens me. My thoughts are with Betsy and her family.

June 25, 2011

Moments I go back to for grounding are the walks Julie and I took to the Maderia gate on spring mornings before breakfast our senior year. She also had the courage to knock on our headmistress's door and invite ourselves in for tea on slow Sunday afternoons. Her choosing me as a friend is a still-unexplained gift that broadened my life and my heart. Thank you, Julie.

Cornelia Lovette
Los Altos, CA

June 25, 2011

What a shock to learn of Julie's death. We just had our 50th Reunion at Madeira this spring. As always, she was witty and cerebral. Too young to die. Meg Hemingway, Madeira '61, Washington, DC

Linda Rosenthal ('77) Maness

June 24, 2011

While I did not have Miss Schieffelin as an English teacher, Brearley was a small school and every student knew each teacher is some capacity! In my case, I remember her as my sister'svery nice and fun English teacher!

Margot Suydam

June 24, 2011

I remember Miss Schieffelin as an inspiring and dedicated teacher, committed to all that Brearley stood for. Betsey, my heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time.

Karen Nathan

June 24, 2011

Julie was one of my favorite Brearley teachers. She was not only clever and funny and a very good English teacher, she was also full of warmth and kindness. We lost touch for a while, but got together last fall for dinner and it was a joyful reunion - it was wonderful to see her so happy. My deepest sympathies to Betsy.

Chris Forbes

June 23, 2011

Conversations always seemed to speed up and every one laughed a lot more when Julie was there. She was brilliant and fun and filled with humor. My heart goes out to those she leaves behind, especially Betsy.

Amanda Marshall

June 23, 2011

I will always remember "Miss Shieffelin" towering above me at Brearley. She was a wonderful teacher. My deepest sympathy to Betsy.

Sarah Dekay

June 23, 2011

Miss Schiefflin was my English teacher at Brearley. I always remember her witty remarks on my papers when I write..or edit, or translate. Her mastery of the pithy comment sent her lessons home. I'm glad to hear she was happy later in her life and send love and condolences to Betsy.

Tony Hoyt

June 23, 2011

We always knew Julie, because her parents, Ellie & Coop, were such good pals of our parents. She always had the wicked sense of humor, and, whenever I saw her in New York striding along the streets, we greeted each other with big hugs and laughter. Although I didn't see her that often, she will be missed by all who she touched. Deepest sympathy to Lindsay, Johnny and Betsy.

June 23, 2011

Julie was a true original. I always thought I'd get around to thanking her for the gifts I had received as her student at Brearley: she let me know I could do better while she supported my efforts. My condolences to Betsy and the rest of Julie's family.

Susan Christian

June 22, 2011

Julie and I became fast friends at the age of 5. She could draw, she could read, she could correct your grammar, and her parents had a swimming pool.
She was harsh with people who weren't fair. She always got A's in everything. She was very tall.
I last saw her three weeks ago, the happiest I'd ever seen her because of Betsy. God bless her and god bless Betsy. Love you, Lindsay and Johnny. So sorry. There will never be anyone like her.

J.D. Singer

June 22, 2011

A wise, witty,wry and whimsical woman who added spice to any gathering. Julie's knowledge covered such a wide range of subjects, she could spark a conversation; and her intellectual curiosity was so great, she listened eagerly to learn what she didn't already know.

Francis C.(Flip) Powers, Jr.

June 22, 2011

It is a sad irony to have found so many friends and schoolmates at the recent East Woods reunion to now have lost such an important member of that community. Julie's unmistakeable gait was so memorable striding happily through the halls. I wish I had known her better. Sincere condolences to John, Lindsay, Linda and Cristina.

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