Julianne (Ness) Green

Julianne Ness Green, age 90, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, and aunt, was welcomed into heaven on the morning of Friday, February 12, 2021. She entered this world on September 3, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN, born to Elmer and Agnes Ness. Julie was preceded in death by her loving parents, and her grandson, Lindsey. She is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Lindsey J. Green; son, Sean Green (Nancy); daughter, Gaelin De Visser (Robert); and daughter, Anaclaire Hunter (Lemna). She is also grandma to Brooke, Joel, Amica, Sydney, Ray, Julianne, Christian, Lillian and Suzanne; as well as great-grandma to James and Viola; and aunt to Carole Rigg, Steve Dunphy, and John Cloak.

Julie’s formative years were spent growing up on Reservations in NM, as her father was a field dentist with Indian Health Service. She followed in her parent’s footsteps with a lifelong love of gardening. This was evident with stunning seasonal plants and flowers that accentuated the beautiful lily pond that she so loved, paying particular attention to her roses and iris.

As an alumna of UNM, Julie was an avid educator and scientist. She made St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, NM her home for 44 years, as well as numerous years teaching evening classes at the University of Albuquerque. Her biology classes are legendary; countless students excelled under Julie’s leadership in both state and international science fairs and, emerged motivated and often inspired to enter into scientific fields. The highlight of her academic career was the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science for NM, awarded by the National Science Foundation and presented at the White House. During her career, Julie garnered countless awards, grants, fellowships, and trips throughout the United States, and as far away as Brazil and Russia, fueling her enthusiasm and contributions in the classroom.

Julie was active in her community, and thrived on life experiences; volunteering at science fairs, raising chickens, horseback riding, skiing, backpacking, and traveling the world. The creativity and focus that she embodied help express a snapshot of the life that she created for herself and her family. Her beautiful gatherings (complete with The Great Chair Hunt) and delicious red chile posole, homemade green chile enchiladas, tasty potato salad, oatmeal cookies, julekake, and cherry pastries will be fondly remembered. Julie was also an ardent supporter of animal rights, and had a blue heeler by her side for many years.

An independent spirit, caring heart, and fun sense of adventure made for a life well lived. We will miss her tremendously. In lieu of flowers, donations to Animal Humane New Mexico are greatly appreciated. Their donation information can be found at https://animalhumanenm.givecloud.co/. Julie supported Animal Humane and other animal rescue organizations for many years, and was always a loving guardian for the variety of animals that she came into contact with.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Julie at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church this summer. She will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Our family is grateful to the staff at Sandia View Cottonwood Assisted Living for their care and concern.