Julia L. Browand

Julia L. Browand passed away on September 2, 2021 at the age of 90 at her residence in Toledo, Ohio. She was born Julia Livonia Hamlin on February 25, 1931 to Lewis and Rose Luetta Hamlin in Stearns, Kentucky. She was one of 15 children and is survived by one sister, Doris Livengood (Dunnellon, Florida). After high school, she married Paul Vahle, also from Stearns, and raised four children. Those surviving children are sons Kirby (Nancy) Vahle of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Larry (Trish) Vahle of Mobile, Alabama and daughter Sandy (Fred) Whitman of Toledo, Ohio. Sadly, daughter Donna tragically passed away in 1994 and it was forever a source of great sadness. Survivors also include 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Julia’s life journey took her from Stearns to live in various locations, including Fort Knox, Kentucky - Landstuhl, Germany - Somerset, Kentucky - Newport News, Virginia – Milan, Ohio - Toledo, Ohio - Dunnellon and Crystal River, Florida - Mobile, Alabama and back to Toledo, Ohio. In 1981 she married Merle Browand and moved to the state of Florida. She loved the sun and the water there where she made friends easily and enjoyed spending time with them – traveling, snorkeling, RVing, exercising, playing cards, and attending Blue Grass festivals. In Florida she became part of the Kelly Girls and also took up the games of Rummikub and Mahjongg and became part of the Mahjongg Ladies. In addition, she was an avid BINGO player and often came away from a game with a pocketful of nickels. She loved life and was always up for the next great adventure. Julie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cook, seamstress, and a great friend to many. Upon Merle’s passing, she moved to Alabama and then back to Ohio, but kept in close contact with everyone. Burial will take place in Stearns, Kentucky alongside her parents in the spring. She was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family is very thankful to Ohio Living Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the staff at West Park Place for their kind and loving care during her last days.