Johanna Von Walter

Johanna Van Brunt von Walter of Champlain, Virginia, died peacefully in her home on the Rappahannock River, surrounded by her family, on December 30, 2020. She was 91 years old.

She was born on March 21, 1929, in San Antonio, Texas to Lt. Rinaldo and Tip Van Brunt. As her father advanced through the ranks to general, the Van Brunts moved from base to base across the world. Her first adventures in Panama and then in the Philippines fostered a love of swimming that would last her whole life. She taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to swim in her backyard pool.

During World War II, the family moved back to San Antonio, where, at Thomas Jefferson High School, she was voted “polished, impressive and democratic.” In 1947, while living in Germany with her parents and younger sister Nalda, she began to develop an in-depth knowledge and love for languages. Fluent in both German and French, she attended The University of Lausanne in Switzerland. She acted as a translator for her father as he dealt with French and German generals and diplomats. In between, she became an avid skier both on snow and water. A natural hostess, Johanna seamlessly interacted with war refugees and dukes alike.

Returning to the United States in 1953, Johanna turned in her skis for golf clubs. She started her family in 1955, with the arrival of twin sons Van and Allen, and a daughter, Johanna “Hanni”, in 1956. She later put her love of language to work, joining the CIA as an administrator in the language school. Living in McLean, Virginia, she later reunited with former beau, Ned von Walter. They were married in 1982 and enjoyed thirty-eight years of marriage moving full time to live along the Rappahannock River. Here, in Essex county, Johanna made many close and wonderful friends. She was an active member of the Garden Club of Virginia, Colonial Dames, Vauter’s Episcopal Church, and the Sulgrave Club in Washington D.C.

Johanna had a great love of flowers and won multiple blue ribbons in floral arrangements. She enjoyed life with her family and grandchildren. She loved to travel the world with her husband and friends. She was a beautiful golfer, an excellent swimmer, and a hostess without peer. Johanna was always upbeat, positive, and looked at the bright side of life. She lit up the lives of all who knew her.

Johanna is survived by her husband Edward von Walter; her children Van (Karen) Price, Allen (Kathy) Price, and Johanna Lowrie (Mario Moreno); her step-children William (Susan) Walter, Robin Schmidt (Glen), Drew Walter, Amy Walter, Kim Walter, and Eric Walter; her sister Nalda Stevens (Richard); her nieces Leslie, Paige, and Tippy; beloved grandchildren and cherished great-grandchildren.

Burial services will be private with a memorial and celebration of her life to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vauter’s Church. PO Box 146, Champlain, VA, 22438