Obituary

Julie Fitzsimmons, 76

Posted

Julie Fitzsimmons (October 24, 1948 – January 22, 2025) born in Tamworth, Australia. and grew up in a large loving family, including father Cecil Fitzsimmons, mother Gwendolyn Fryer and stepfather Greg Fryer.

In 1973 she met her husband Bob after setting sail aboard  the ocean liner, SS Australis, bound for England. After a brief stay in the UK, Julie joined Bob for a trip through Mexico and Central America, eventually settling in Las Cruces.

Julie, known as “Jules,” completed her undergraduate degree at Newcastle National Art School in Australia in 1969.Later receiving an advanced degree in Art History in 1975 at New Mexico State University.  She taught for the Department intermittently then joined the art faculty permanently in 1991. She moved the focus from western traditions to a more global art perspective including innovative curricular changes, introducing courses on race and art, and feminist art. Through both the Art Department and the Conroy Honors College, she influenced thousands of students over the course of her career, as well as providing a critical foundation for art majors and graduate students. She retired from NMSU in 2022 after 30 years.

Julie is beloved for her adventurous spirit, wicked sense of humor, and love of transgressive art. Her adventures could be the subject of a movie, including racing vintage British sports cars, especially her dark green Morgan convertible. She and her family lived on their sailboat, “Patience.”  In 2007 Jules and Bob traversed many countries in the “Peking to Paris" rally in their 1928 Chrysler. Jules brought her Aussie traditions to New Mexico, hosting the annual Bangtail Muster, gathering dozens of friends along the Rio Grande for libations and merriment.  She was known for everchanging colorful hair, playing tennis and supporting the NMSU Tennis team.  Her historic adobe home, houses a fantastic collection of mementos from across the world, and beloved kitties. She was a well-loved and respected member of the art community across the Land of Enchantment and the Borderlands region and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bob Pattison, son Robert, daughters Lydia and Danielle, grandchildren Kai, Violet, Anna, and Amelie, and a large extended family on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Friends, students, and colleagues are invited to gather to raise a glass and share memories and stories of Julie at a celebration of life Sunday, Jan. 26, at Casa Otro Gallery (2226B Calle del Guadalupe, Mesilla, just north of the Basilica of San Albino) from noon to 4 p.m.  

Julie loved all animals, and was a volunteer with a cat rescue organization, The Cat’s Meow. In lieu of flowers, Julie’s family requests that donations be made to Cat’s Meow of Las Cruces (www.thecatsmeowlascruces.com).

Julie Fitzsimmons, obituary

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