Julia Ellen LaFrinere

Julia Ellen (Julie) LaFrinere

     Athens - Julie LaFrinere, 93, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at The Lindley Inn, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on March 4, 1930, in Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Lesko Brozak.

     Julie dedicated her life to caring for others, first as an OB nurse's aide at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital and later alongside her husband Jack, helping operate R.J. LaFrinere Builders.

     Renowned for her inexhaustible energy, Julie rarely took a seat, embracing an active and lively lifestyle. She excelled as a skilled gardener, generously sharing the bounties of her fruit and vegetable harvests. While participating in activities at The Athens Senior Center, she approached them with enthusiasm, favoring day trips and line dancing.

     Julie effortlessly mastered various pursuits, including knitting, crocheting, canvas painting, gardening, and cooking. Her culinary skills extended to creating delicious pies that brought joy to many. Among her cherished pastimes was exploring the woods, especially the thrill of hunting for morel mushrooms, a hobby she continued to relish well into her 80s.

     Julie is survived by her two daughters, Renee (Danny) Evener of Deltona, FL and Cindy (Mark) Weidner of Athens, OH; six grandchildren, Tanya LaFrinere, Eric LaFrinere, Christina Westbrook, Christopher LaFrinere, Tessie Reese, and Brad Weidner; ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, John Brozak; sister-in-law, Pat Rzanca; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. 

     She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack LaFrinere (2013), parents, two sons, Eddie LaFrinere and Steve LaFrinere, two grandsons, Josh and Kyle Evener, five brothers, Emory, Andrew, Mike, Charlie, and Rudy Brozak, and three sisters, Helen Chase, Mary Ann Poston, and Margaret Goodrich, along with several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

     She will be remembered for her authentic kindness, generosity, and captivating blue eyes. Her memory will be forever cherished.

     The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of The Wyngate at Circleville, The Lindley Inn - Athens, Ohio, and Ohio Health Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Julie.

     Honoring Julie’s wishes, no services will be observed.  A private memorial will be held at the family’s convenience.