Julia Mary Rieber

Julia Mary Rieber, 80, died in Santa Barbara, CA on Friday, September 12th, from lung cancer. Born March 4, 1934, she was the 5th of 6 children born to Anthony and Julia (Mesker) Rieber in St. Louis, MO. Julia loved to play piano and was the occasional organist for catholic churches in St. Louis and Chicago. Julia’s talent, as a good typist and excellent short-hand, led her to a career as Executive Secretary, most recently to the Vice Chancellor of UC-San Diego. Julia married in 1959 to Walter B. Muckerman, also of St. Louis. They moved to South Bend, IN and then to Winnetka, IL where they raised 3 daughters. When Julia was 50, she moved from downtown Chicago to LaJolla, and then in 1999, retired to Santa Barbara. Julia loved working in her garden, going to the ocean, and painting beautifully with watercolors and acrylic. Julia made a difference in the world, was a dreamer, and lived life with enthusiasm. She loved her friends and sharing life, spirit and 30 years of sobriety. Julia leaves behind her daughters Catherine Sendra (Santa Barbara, CA), Celia Bullock (Northbrook, IL), and Clare Relihan (Erie, CO) and 6 grandchildren. Her spirit will be honored at her favorite beaches, Henry’s and Butterfly.