Dr. Julie Moller Sanford

Sanford, Julie Clara Møller M.D. of Duluth, Minnesota, age 90, died peacefully at home on February 10, 2017, just 3 months after the death of her beloved husband, John B. Sanford M.D.

Born October 7, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama to Danish engineer Paul Møller and Elise (Dalgas) Møller, Julie spent her childhood in Copenhagen, Denmark within walking distance of many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In April of 1940, Germany invaded Denmark while her parents were overseas. Just 13 years old, Julie and her little sister fled through Germany, Austria, and Italy, sailing to New York aboard one of the last transatlantic passenger ships to safely reach the US. This experience inspired her to lead a life of service and compassion ultimately through the practice of medicine. During WWII, Julie attended high school at Marion College in Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Richmond in 1949, graduating with honors and Phi Beta Kappa. Julie also attended the prestigious Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and subsequently the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond VA, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Society and graduated with honors receiving her M.D. degree in 1953.

Julie interned at the University of Illinois Research and Education Hospitals and was a medical resident at the Passavant Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. During her internship, she met a handsome and bright young surgical resident, Dr. John Sanford, on a blind date set up by the hospital chaplain-- thus beginning their long and happy journey together. They married in September of 1955 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL. Both Julie and John continued their training and practice of medicine in Chicago and celebrated the birth of their first child in 1956. They later moved to Duluth, MN and, by mid 1960, their family had grown to include four children. Julie taught her love of learning, Danish heritage, humility, and kindness to her young family. Her home was always "hyggeligt" -- filled with happy conversation, welcoming hugs, warm laughter, and lots of books. An active member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Julie taught Sunday school and served as an elder.

In 1964, Julie became the first female doctor at the Duluth Clinic. Over the years, she practiced  Internal Medicine, providing skilled and compassionate care in clinic, at St Mary's, St Luke's, and Miller Dwan Hospitals and in area nursing homes. Julie shared her knowledge and experience with medical students as a clinical preceptor and was recognized as an Adjunct Emeritus Faculty member for UMD Medical School's Department of Family Medicine.

In fall of 1991, Julie and John retired and began their next chapter together including world travel, community service, and enjoying their twelve grandchildren. A life long learner and fluent in 6 languages, Julie studied German, French and Spanish literature at UMD. She cherished her friends and experiences in the "Friday Club" book group. Having witnessed first hand the impact of hate and intolerance, Julie lived her life valuing and actively supporting causes upholding justice and compassion. She received awards and recognition for her many philanthropic efforts and especially treasured relationships built teaching English as a second language to refugees and immigrants in Duluth.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, Julie was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Ellen Ingeborg Møller Goodpasture and brother-in-law, H. McKennie Goodpasture.

Always a graceful, brilliant, and loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by her 4 children and 12 grandchildren, Ellen Altman (Mike), Eric Jordan; Martha Sanford (Tim Casey), Mary Ann, Sarah, and Claire; Paul Sanford (Ann), Margaret, Clara, Richard, and Michael; Ann Sanford (Lee Marks), William, Kathryn, Julia, and Grace; and her sister's children, Katherine Goodpasture, and Philip Goodpasture (Paige) as well as many other wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.Julie's family thanks Dr. Mark Plachta M.D., the kind, wonderful, skilled, and caring staff at Ecumen Lakeshore and the St. Luke's Hospice team for their compassionate care.

Visitation:  5-7 PM Friday, March 3, 2017 at Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth.  Visitation continues on Saturday, March 4, from 1 PM until the 2 PM Memorial Service at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to The International Rescue Committee or to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth, 218-727-3555.