Julie Elizabeth Learned, 50, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away on October 5, 2026. A devoted mother, cherished daughter, beloved sister, loyal friend, compassionate educator, and lifelong learner, Julie touched countless lives through her kindness, authenticity, and genuine care for others.

Born on March 25, 1976, in Sylvania, Ohio, Julie was the daughter of William Wells Learned Jr. and Cathy Piotraschke Hess. Throughout her life, she called many places home, including Toledo and Columbus, Ohio; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Truckee, California; Seattle, Washington; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Madison, Wisconsin; Albany, New York; and Saratoga Springs, New York. Each place held a special meaning for Julie, not only for the cities themselves, but for the people and communities she encountered along the way. She had a way of leaving a little bit of her light everywhere life took her.

Julie was deeply committed to education and the pursuit of knowledge. Her academic journey reflected her curiosity and dedication to understanding others. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from The Ohio State University, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Harvard University, and a second Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Washington. She went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of Michigan.

As an Associate Professor in the University at Albany's School of Education, Julie infused the Department of Educational Theory and Practice with a deep passion for learning and compassion for others. Her research interests focused on literacy and equity, youth literacies, disciplinary literacy, and English education. In Saratoga Springs, she became a vital part of the Yoga Mandali community, finding a profound sense of belonging and peace. These friendships, alongside the many lasting bonds she nurtured across every chapter of her life, were among her most treasured gifts.

Above all, Julie was an incredible mother. Her children, Ezra Learned-Levy, 13, and Otis Learned-Levy, 11, were at the heart of her life. She loved them with extraordinary devotion, patience, and tenderness. Her fierce love for Ezra and Otis was a defining part of who she was, and her vibrant spirit will live on through the lives, values, and futures of her beloved children.

Julie is also survived by her children's father, Brett Levy; her mother, Cathy Piotraschke Hess and husband Mel Hess; her brother, William Wells Learned III, his wife, Nozomi, and their children, Moon and Cosmo; and her sister, Amanda Neuendorf, her husband, Greg, and their children, Jace and Quinn. She was preceded in death by her father, William Wells Learned Jr.

Julie was an irreplaceable sister, loyal friend, and a genuinely good human. She possessed a rare combination of strength and gentleness, meeting the world with a patient spirit and a heart that was kind without reservation. Those who knew her knew the comfort of being truly seen and the gift of having someone wholeheartedly in their corner.

Her life was enriched by a vast network of friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Though the communities she touched are too numerous to name, she left an undeniable impact on everyone she met, pouring care into every connection. While her loss is immeasurable, the love she gave will live on forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be profoundly missed.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, October 18th, at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs, from 1 PM – 3 PM. A funeral home service will follow at 3 PM. Burial will be private.