Julia Child, influential chef, television personality, author, and food critic, passed away on August 13th, 2004 at the age of 91. Born in Pasadena, California in 1912, child began her career as a research assistant at the Office of Strategic Services in Washington, DC during World War II. Upon her return to civilian life, Child studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, eventually publishing the cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," in 1961. This book and Child's work in television solidified her place in food history. Child's television work included an Emmy-winning program called "The French Chef," which ran on public television from 1963 to 1973, and the popular series "Julia Child and More Company" on PBS. Her books won major awards and Child was awarded the National Book Foundation's lifetime achievement award in 1997. During her career Julia Child changed the way Americans approach cooking and eating. She was a mentor and inspiration to many people who still admire her work today.