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Vivian Aplin-Brownlee Obituary

APLIN-BROWNLEE vIVIAN aplin-brownlee (61) On October 20, 2007 at home in Chevy Chase, DC. Beloved wife of Dennis Brownlee and mother of Lauren and Stephen Brownlee. She is also survived by nephews Travis and Todd Jackson and great-niece and nephew Kiara and Joshua. On Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 3:00 pm, a Memorial Meeting for Worship will be held through Bethesda Friends Meeting at the Sidwell Friends Lower School campus, 5100 Edgemoor Ln., Bethesda, MD 20814. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vivian Aplin-Brownlee Research Fund at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center (checks may be made out to VAB Research Fund JHU), and mailed to Dr. Richard Ambinder, Room 389, 1650 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231.

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 23, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Sylvia Baker Welch

August 26, 2024

In addition to the good times and talks at OU, I want to say how kind and smart, tenacious and Intelligent Vivian was. Her laugh and sense of humor and her realistic outlook was refreshing. I've thought about her on many occasions.

Sylvia Baker Welch

August 26, 2024

I remember the good and fun and wonderful times and talks we had at Ohio U. I remember Vivian well and fondly! She was a big sister to me.

Frances Holley Blount

October 17, 2022

We had such fun at Ohio University that i didn´t realize just how smart Vivian really was! I admired her greatly as she rose as a journalist. Continue to Rest in Power.

Marsha (Williams) Thompson

November 18, 2007

Dennis,Lauren and Stephen,
Vivian and I went to Ohio University together. I graduated one year before her. I also was a "Lindley Lovely". Vivian was in my wedding on November 23, 1968. My husband and I went to your wedding, Dennis, but unfortuanately did not keep in touch. Vivian was one of a kind and we shared many fun and wonderful times in college. She was intelligent, outspoken and beautifull. When I think of her, I just smile. When I heard of her passing, it saddened me for many reasons, one of which we were close in proximity...I live in Baltimore, MD...since 1973! Please, know that you have my deepest sympathy and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cameron Miller

November 12, 2007

To Dennis, Stephen, and Lauren,
Someone so special...
...can never be forgotten.
Sharing in your sorrow
Thinking of you and wishing
I could be there
to hold your hand.You're in our thoughts
Please know how much
you are loved
and how deeply
your loss is felt by all.May the love of those around you,
help you through the days ahead.


With Heartfelt Sympathy

Cameron and Melissa Miller

Jeff Palmer

November 5, 2007

I grew up with Vivian, although we all called her Bertha, in Steubenville. Her beauty was only surpassed by the beauty of her spirit. We were in many school activities together and she was always a leader. I am very sorry for your loss. She was a very special person.

Regina McGowan - Render

November 2, 2007

I grew up with Vivian in Steubenville, Ohio. I am sorry for your loss. She was always a bright and beautiful person and I feel priveledged to have known her. I want to wish the best to you and your family.

Bill Alexander

November 1, 2007

Vivian stayed ebullient in spite of all that happened around her. She was unafraid to blaze new trails and, in so doing, taught an old newshound like me new tricks. I shall never, ever forget her.

Mary Mihalyi

November 1, 2007

To Dennis, Stephen, and Lauren,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I was one of Stephen's teachers at School for Friends. Vivian always brought energy and cheer into the classroom. (Stephen, I hope you still have your mother's smile.) I remember one time when I handed Vivian one of Stephen's creations, and she turned to Lauren and said enthusiastically, "Look, Lauren! Artwork!" Coming from someone else, it might have seemed false, but I was sure that Vivian was sincerely delighted.
I know that you will carry some of that delight with you as you remember Vivian.

Dick Peery

October 29, 2007

Dennis and family--
Knowing Vivian was a highlight of my four decades as a reporter. I met her at the Call and Post where she lit up the newroom during her six weeks there. When I joined her at the Plain Dealer, her talent, wit and beauty had made her a leader among the young reporters. I was privileged be a friend as I watched her grow professionally and personally. I was not suprised by her success after she left the Plain Dealer, but I missed her presence. Vivian was everything a journalist should be, but more important, she was an outstanding human being.

Rosemary Kovacs

October 27, 2007

Dennis and family: my deepest sympathies. Vivian and I shared many adventures when we were young and starting out at The Plain Dealer. We missed her when she left Cleveland but proudly followed her successful career. She was a lot of fun to be around. She was a good reporter and editor. Nothing much got past her.

Tom Simonton

October 27, 2007

I am a retired journalist who lived and worked in Washington, DC for 39 years. Mrs. Aplin-Brownlee's family should be very proud of the ethical and moral tenacity she displayed for our craft. I never knew her personally, but I am grateful she shared the same profession as I.

Jackie Jones

October 26, 2007

I met Vivian when I was a young reporter at the Plain Dealer. She had come back for a visit. She was warm and supportive and we had a number of discussions over the next few years. She will be sorely missed.

Frances Blount

October 26, 2007

I was a student at Ohio University during the same time that Vivian attended and I remember her as one of the "Lindley Lovelies", which was what we called her and some of her friends that lived in Lindley Hall. She was always smart, attractive and one known not to mince words. I know that's why she was a success in the newspaper business. We did not keep in touch after school, but I am saddened to know of her passing. All of you family members should be encouraged by the legacy she leaves and just knowing that she was highly regarded in her profession.

Karen Martin

October 24, 2007

To Vivian's family,

I will always remember how graciously and warmly Vivian and Lauren welcomed Courtney and me to Sidwell Friends .

With deepest sympathy for your loss,

Karen Martin

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