Julie Elise McGee, age 70, of Southbury passed away on Sunday December 29, 2013 in the Connecticut Hospice in Branford following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born January 26, 1943 in Washington DC to the late Rose Lilliston Mason and William Thomas Mason II, she was a longtime resident of Virginia and more recently resided in Connecticut. She graduated from Annandale High School in Annandale, Virginia and earned a degree in English from Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 1966. As a homemaker and mother of three, she was well known among family friends for her specialty baking, diverse handcrafts, and creative spirit. Through the 1970's and 1980's, she established a flourishing career as a professional artist, joining local art guilds and winning numerous awards for her acrylic works depicting nature. Julie later embarked upon a second career with the Department of Defense, first with the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and then with the International Team of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). At NAVSUP, she was recognized for her role in archiving the historical aspects of the Navy's vast collection of presentation silver gifts made in conjunction with the commissioning of naval vessels. As an Agent of the Department of State with DCMA, she handled passport applications and administered the oaths of allegiance for DCMA employees traveling overseas. Upon her retirement in 2006, Julie received the Civilian Career Service Award for her distinguished 19 year career. After moving to Southbury, CT in 2010, Julie joined and eventually became president of the Heritage Village Stitch and Chat group where she shared her love of knitting and considerable talents with others. Julie was a member of Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church in Milford, CT and leaves behind her two treasured cats Sarah and Enkozi who now reside with the Cono family. Julie was preceded in death by her former husband Harold H. Dutton, Jr., her parents, and her beloved brother William T. Mason III. She is survived by her three children Cathy (Giovanni) Cono of Milford, CT, Carolyn Dutton of Charlotte, NC, and Bryan (Mileena) Dutton of Warrenton, VA, cherished grandchildren Stefano and Matteo Cono, a devoted sister Rose Decker of Live Oak, FL and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also survived by her former husband Robert L. McGee of Cincinnatus, NY. Calling hours will take place on Friday, January 17th from 5-7:30 pm in the Adzima Funeral Home at 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. A celebration of Julie's life will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 11 am at Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church at 168 Broad Street in Milford. Those attending services are encouraged to wear or bring with them hand crafted items made for them by Julie as a tribute to her life. Interment will be on May 3rd at St. Georges Episcopal Church Cemetery in Pungoteague, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Forgotten Felines of Westbrook, CT at www.forgottenfelinesct.org.