The Wellesley community is mourning the tragic loss of Boston Marathon runner Julia Hendrix Miwa.
Julia Hendrix Miwa was an associate professor of chemistry at Wellesley College and a dedicated member of the Wellesley community for over 28 years.
Beyond her contributions in the classroom, Professor Miwa was actively involved with the Wellesley Community Children’s Center (WCCC), supporting its mission as an alumna parent.
A lifelong runner, Professor Miwa returned to consistent training three years ago after a period of inactivity.
She started with a Couch to 5K program, gradually building her endurance and setting ambitious goals, including running 1,000 miles in a year.
Her dedication culminated in participating as a charity runner in the 2021 Boston Marathon, raising over $6,000 for WCCC alongside a fellow runner.
The marathon marked her first time running for the charity, though she had completed a marathon 20 years prior, finishing 20 minutes faster this time.
Reflecting on the experience, Professor Miwa described the emotional impact of passing through Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel,” where students cheered her on with posters and messages of encouragement.
Marathon Runner Julia Hendrix Miwa Tragically Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated
As per the various sources, Marathon Runner Julia Hendrix Miwa passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, following a car accident.
Susan Zelenko, a graduate of New York University, took to her official Facebook page to announce the tragic news. She wrote,
Last night we were gifted a spectacular aurora borealis. Last night was also the moment when our dear friend, Julia Miwa, passed away, peacefully. I like to think of her passing while the northern lights flickered and swayed and reached up to the stars and beyond. “Auntie Julia” was the primary contact for emergencies on our kids’ activities or camp forms — we trusted her, hands down. We’d spent many a cozy Thanksgiving or Christmas with them, or last minute pizzas and wine by the fire. Throughout the years, we attended their daughters’ performing arts events, and she and her family supported our girls’ endeavors. Julia was the intersection between genuine empathy and kick-ass intellect. When I think of the great women of science, she is one of them, as professor of organic chemistry at Wellesley College, and also because she taught generations of young women to not give up, no matter how intimidating the test, the comprehension, the field, the career. One of the last conversations I had with Julia on Sunday revolved around helping Solène comprehend her high school chemistry. We agreed she would benefit from experiencing it in the real world in order to begin appreciating it. Did you know that northern lights are the result of chemistry-driven light emission caused by the sun’s charged particles, which then collide with oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere? As if a gift from Julia, I’ll head outside tonight with Solène, bundled up, and look up. Just maybe we will see the northern lights.
Susan Zelenko
Rani Ghose Elwy, Psychiatry and Human Behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, took to the comment section and mourned the loss of Julia.
Thank you for sharing so much about Julia—I knew her in name only but I wish I had truly known her. What an outstanding woman. My thoughts are with you and all who loved her, especially her children.
Rani Ghose Elwy
Julia Hicks de Peyster wrote,
oh what a sad loss – I knew her from afar given our shared first name – she was always spoken of so lovingly in Wellesley – i’m so sorry for your loss
Julia Hicks de Peyster
Carmel McElhatton Tuffy from Boston, Massachusetts wrote,
Heartbroken to hear of Julia’s passing. Sending our heartfelt condolences to her beautiful family and many friends. We will miss you Julia. May Julia Rest In Peace.
Carmel McElhatton Tuffy
Other close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Julia’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
Her family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Heaven, Julia Hendrix Miwa.
