Julia Francine Walbert

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Julia Francine "Fran" Walbert, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who departed this life peacefully at her home on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on July 13, 1949, in Salisbury, MD, Francine spent her life devoted to her family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a daughter of the late Franklin and Julia Ann (Seymore) Parsons.

Fran graduated from Chestertown High School, class of 1967, and soon thereafter married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Walbert, on February 3, 1968. Their union blossomed into a cherished 56-year marriage, during which they lovingly raised their two sons, Jeffrey and Kurt Walbert.

In her professional journey, Fran worked as a teller and later as a bookkeeper for the Bank of Delmar, contributing her skills to various institutions, including Immediate Medical Center. However, her most fulfilling role was that of a homemaker, where she took great pride in caring for her family.

Fran passions extended beyond her home. She enjoyed hunting for antiques and dedicated time to collecting and restoring furniture alongside Wayne. Her love of collecting also included an array of cherished items, with a special affection for snowmen, hummingbirds, and decoys.

She is survived by her two sons, Kurt Walbert and wife, Tammy and Jeff Walbert; grandchildren, Zach Walbert (Rachel), Corina Walbert (Matt), Brandon Walbert (Amber), Sydney Walbert, Amanda Durham, and Rob Gribble; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Hill, Zane Walbert, Colton Walbert, Beanie Mitchell-Lake, Quincy Mitchell-Lake, Jr., Ophelia Walbert, Logan Harrison, and Ava Salisbury, who will all carry forward her loving spirit. She is also survived by her brothers-in -law, Jim Hitch and David Walbert, and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Walbert; sister Barbara Lee Hitch and sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Phillip Dunn.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers who supported Fran during her illness over the past few years. Your compassion and kindness meant the world to them.

Funeral services will be held to honor her life at Short Funeral Home in Delmar at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 13, 2025. A visitation will take place at Short Funeral Home at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Pastor Eric Teagle will officiate. Interment will be private.

In memory of Fran, contributions may be sent to the Salisbury Zoological Park

P.O. Box 2979, Salisbury, MD 21802-2979, or by visiting https://salisburyzoo.org/support/donate/.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.