Julia McMurray Dannenbaum, a recognized leader in establishing cooking as an art form in America, died suddenly at her residence on December 15, 2011. As director of three prestigious cooking schools, Julie blazed a trail for today's female food professionals. From 1964 until 1984 she made Creative Cooking Inc., in Philadelphia, one of the most important cooking schools in the country. She brought her zeal to the cooking school at The Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy from 1974 - 1988, coordinating a major program featuring world famous chefs. She also directed the cooking school at the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, for fourteen years. Julie was the author of five cookbooks. Her fifth book won The Duchess of Parma award. Of Julie's Creative Cooking School Cookbook, James Beard wrote, "Julie's book is a reflection of Julie herself...unending enthusiasm, great imagination and careful attention to detail." Julie's articles appeared in many magazines including Redbook, Bon Appetit, House Beautiful and House and Garden. For eight years, her monthly column "Dining In" was a popular feature in Philadelphia Magazine. She was recognized as a prime force in the cooking Renaissance that brought Philadelphia into national prominence as a great restaurant city. Julie was an admired chef and hostess even before she traveled to Paris in the late 1950's to study at the Cordon Bleu Cooking School. When the renowned Dione Lucas came to New York, Julie was engrossed in her historic cooking lessons on television, and then commuted from Philadelphia to learn directly from that legendary teacher. An immediate "star" Julie later was professionally associated with her mentor at her famous restaurant, The Egg Basket. In the 1990's Julie Dannenbaum officially retired and volunteered to work with Manna, cooking and distributing meals to AIDS patients. Julie's most recent honor was The Free Library of Philadelphia's designation of the Julie Dannenbaum Culinary Collection Room. She was a member of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the Commanderie de Medoc et des Graves, the Commanderie du Tavel In France, and was inducted into these societies in France. She was a charter member of the New York Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier and a founding member of Les Dames's Philadelphia Chapter. In addition she was a member of the Acorn Club, the Cosmopolitan Club, the Vespers Club and a graduate of Temple University. She was predeceased by Harry M. her husband of 55 years and her grandson, Nicholas Robertson. She is survived by her two daughters: Mimi (Richard) Robertson; Janet (Gary) Freese; a son James; a grandson, Timothy Robertson and three nieces. According to her wishes there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Free Library of Philadelphia at 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, Les Dames d'Esscofier - Julie Dannenbaum Endowment Fund at the Philadelphia Fund,1234 Market Street Suite 1800,Philadelphia,Pa 19017 orthe Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital, John Morgan Building at 3620 Hamilton Walk Philadelphia PA 19104-6055 c/o Dr. Ford. Arrangements by The Oliver H. Bair Co. (215) 563-1580.