Dr. Julie Hadden passed away on February 5, 2022, at home after a brave seven-month struggle with bile duct cancer. She was 70 years old. She leaves behind her spouse, Marly Eidsness, PhD, her step-son, Sean Scott, MD, several cousins, an aunt, and many dear friends.
Julie was born on June 7, 1951, in Inglewood, CA, the only child of Herbert Lelland Hadden and Joann (Hollon) Hadden. Julie’s early years were of modest means, growing up in her grandmother’s home in Culver City, CA with her parents and several cousins and aunts in the household. In later years of her youth, she lived in several apartments as her mother supported Julie and her father who suffered life-long effects of rheumatic fever and alcoholism. Being a Girl Scout was very important to Julie because she got to go places and do things that her family could not afford to do. During her formative years, she developed a strong bond with her mother and they remained forever close. Julie took care of her mother until her passing at age 92. As a child, Julie’s natural talent as a leader began to develop. Her mother said Julie would wrangle neighborhood kids into submission by saying, “Do as I say or I’ll knock your block off!” She would go on to further refine her leadership skills throughout her long career in education as a teacher and administrator, ultimately becoming superintendent of Alhambra Unified School District in Southern California.
Julie earned BA and MA degrees from CSULA and an EdD Degree in Organizational Leadership at La Verne University. She began her teaching career in Los Angeles, teaching ESL and adaptive physical education at South Gate Middle School and High School. She moved to Alhambra Unified School District and worked at all three high schools, as Dean of Students at Mark Keppel HS, Assistant Principal of Student Activities at San Gabriel HS, and Principal at Alhambra HS. She did not miss a home football game on Friday nights for ten years! Serving as Principal of Alhambra High School, Julie was instrumental in the successful implementation of Model Technology Schools Project. She took the lead in making sure that all students would participate in college preparatory courses by de-tracking many of the high school courses. She pushed hard for the implementation of the Advance via Individual (AVID) program and Alhambra High School became the demonstration school for AVID in LA County. For many years, Alhambra High School had to secure fields to play home games due to the dilapidated condition of Moorfield. Julie spearheaded a fundraising effort to bring back Moorfield in its former glory.
Julie then moved to the Alhambra district office where she was Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for five years and then superintendent for four years. She was beloved by her staff for her administrative skills, her sensitivity, her creativity, her humor, and her love of life. She was masterful working with School Board members. Her staff said Julie believed in people and they in turn had confidence in her and felt safe under her leadership. Julie found joy and fun in her incredibly stressful work. She was always a supporter of the underdog, as she believed others could rise above their humble beginnings, just as she had.
Julie retired at age 57 and moved to Whidbey Island, WA. She delved into landscaping her yard and built a 14-bed vegetable garden. She took pottery lessons and made bowls and cups she loved to give to friends and family. She loved walking our dogs at Greenbank Farm. She was a generous and kind friend to many. She hosted many parties and was a great cook, known for her spaghetti sauce, her mom’s Mac & Cheese, and her rice & noodle dish. Julie had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing and playing her guitar. She attended a song-writing workshop on Whidbey for several years as well as the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop. In her retirement, she also gave back. She served on the South Whidbey School Board for several years, three years as President. She served on the Saratoga Orchestra Board. She also taught Organizational Leadership at Brandman University for nine years. She loved working with students again. The tributes and stories of the positive impact Julie made on people’s lives brought joy to her in her difficult, final months. Julie touched many lives and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Rest in peace, dear Julie.
A “Celebration of Life” for Dr. Julie Hadden will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022, 1 pm, at South Whidbey High School Auditorium, 5675 Maxwellton Road, Langley, WA 98260
To honor the legacy of Dr. Julie Hadden, please consider a donation to programs she believed in:
Dr. Julie Hadden Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Alhambra Education Foundation, 1603 Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA 91803
Dr. Julie Hadden Memorial Donations for Saratoga Orchestra’s Music Education Programs at www.SOwhidbey.com/support
Dr. Julie Hadden Scholarship Fund of Pride Foundation: Pride Foundation 2014 E. Madison Street Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98122 https://pridefoundation.
