Julie Lam Markmann Rufo

1938 - 2021

Julie Lam Markmann Rufo
May 5, 1938 - November 30, 2021
Our brilliant, beautiful, and beloved mother died on November 30 at the age of 83 in Oakland, CA. Julie was born in 1938 in Queen's New York to Estelle Katzander and Charles Lam Markmann.
Julie spent her childhood in New York and subsequently moved to Philadelphia, PA where she raised her children. As a single-mother in the 1960s, Julie was passionate and outspoken about women's rights, social justice, and her opposition to the Vietnam War. Julie remained committed to women's rights and peace and social justice throughout her life. In 1972, she moved her family to Los Angeles where she fell in love with the West Coast and worked for many years in the entertainment industry as an account and production manager. Julie was highly regarded for her ability to work with some of the industry's biggest talents on their personal business matters, she was honest, funny, beloved, and unintimidated. Upon her "semi"-retirement Julie moved to the Bay Area to live closer to her children and grandchildren. Always the activist, Julie became a member of the Alameda Peace Network and eventually produced her own show "Perspectives with Julie Rufo" on local access cable TV, fulfilling a lifelong goal to pursue journalism.
Many considered Julie the best informed person they knew and would turn to her for updates and insights on the most complex political matters. Julie was a staunch advocate for education and critical thinking. As one of her friends shared: "Julie was an undaunted spirit, her devotion to justice and her love of reading were only overshadowed by how fiercely she loved and cherished her family."
Julie was a remarkable woman, an original rebel, who believed passionately that a better world is possible and reminded us to keep our eyes on the prize to end needless suffering. Julie is survived by her children Maggie Rufo and Michael Rufo (Marcie Rubel), sister Sonya Bentley, beloved grandchildren Adrian Rufo and Alex Rufo, and extended family and friends. Julie is buried at Fernwood Forever in Mill Valley, CA. Donations in her memory to Planned Parenthood.