Celebrated cook, author and television personality, Julia died in her sleep yesterday at her home in Santa Barbara, Calif., just three days shy of her 92nd birthday. Born Julia McWilliams on Aug. 15, 1912, she was one of three children of John and Caro McWilliams. According to an article in the Charlotte Observer, her "mix of practicality and zest" could even be seen in her family tree: "One grandfather came West to pan for gold, while one grandmother descended from solid New Englanders who included Oliver Wendell Holmes."

The world bids adieu to a great lady.