Julia H. Vollmer

Julia H. Vollmer passed away quietly during her afternoon nap this past Thursday, August 2, 2012 at her Freedom Village home in West Brandywine, PA.  She was a resident of Freedom Village since moving there in 2003 shortly after the death of her husband of 55 years, Harden D. Vollmer. 

Julia was born March 2, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA.  She was baptized, raised in, and married at Lansdowne Presbyterian Church.  She graduated from Lansdowne High School in 1939.  Like many women of her generation, Julia “manned the home front” during World War II, working at General Electric producing war related parts.  It was during this time she met her future husband, Harden, an engineer at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.  They met at the Governor’s Estate and were married six months later, 11/24/45.  During their married life, Julia and Harden were long time residents of Willoughby, Ohio, where they raised their three children.  They also lived two years in Heidelberg, Germany, when Harden was posted on special assignment by his company.  During this time, Julia developed a continued passion for travel, visiting many countries in both western and eastern Europe.  She continued her travels well into her 70’s, returning to Europe multiple times and visiting Asia as well.  She was particularly interested in the churches and shrines, studying their architecture in detail.  Julia was an exceptional athlete, excelling in basketball, tennis, and field hockey in high school.  She and her twin sister Jane led their Lansdowne HS basketball team to two undefeated seasons in 1937-38 and 1938-39.  They both continued their basketball careers as stars for the GE Women’s team in AAU’s Philadelphia Industrial League.  Julia was a high school coach of basketball and tennis during the 1950’s and later worked as a volunteer official at major tennis tournaments in Florida. To the end, she followed the careers of many of the international stars she met. In retirement, Julia and Harden lived first in Miami, FL and subsequently moved to Fernandina Beach, FL.  In Florida, they were members and officers of the Sherlock Holmes Club, reflecting her enduring interest in reading, especially histories and mysteries. 

In addition to her twin, Jane, Julia is survived by a son, H. David Vollmer of Parkesburg, PA, a daughter, C. Greta Vollmer of Kensington, CA, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  A son, Douglas, predeceased her. Online condolences may be posted at (www.wildefuneralhome.com).  A private memorial service is being planned.