MARY KATHLEEN WALKER

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MARY KATHLEEN WALKER It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our very precious mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend, Mary Walker, on Sunday, February 3, 2002 at her residence. Mom was predeceased by her three children, Jimmie, Marilyn and Barry, and her husband, Jim. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Arthur and John and sister Lillian. Mourning the loss of such a very special lady are her daughter Marleen and son-in-law Gordon (Coulter) granddaughter Heather Denise and grandson Brian James. Also left to mourn her passing are her sisters, Nell Smith, Vi (Ken) Appleyard, Win (Joe) Doak; her sisters-in-law, Emma Meads, Ann Cripps, Jean (Sandy) Sanderson and Elsie Walker; and her brothers, Albert (Irene) Meads and Frank (Mabel) Meads; her God-daughter/niece Joan (Murray) Ellison, and special nieces, Audrey Appleyard, Lillian (Dennis) Robinson and special friend Dale (Allan) Willis. Born in 1918 in England, Mom travelled to Manitoba as a child with her parents and siblings. Settling in the Stonewall area, she finished her schooling and moved to Winnipeg to work. She had so many special memories of those earlier years, mostly of her time spent waitressing at Harmans Drug Store and of those she provided personal care for. She and dad were blessed with three beautiful children, who succumbed to Muscular Dystrophy at young ages. When the last child, Barry, was diagnosed with MD, they adopted Marleen. Moms life was dedicated to "giving". She was the most compassionate, caring and generous woman. After Jims passing in 1971, she worked for home-care until retirement, always going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure her clients happiness and safety. She was always looking for things to "volunteer" for, whether it be playing the piano in her church or block, or helping those in need in Donwood Manor. Moms life revolved around others, and we are so thankful we were so blessed to have her in our lives. Moms strong faith in God has been her source of strength through all the trials and tribulations of her life. Her many years of membership at Brooklands Mennonite Brethren Church produced life-long friendships that have endured to this day. We have no doubt she is now embracing those who have gone before her, and that she is at peace in her eternal home. Many heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Ray Martens for his years of concerned, compassionate care; to the staff of Donwood EPH who were always so kind and considerate; to the home care staff, Kay, Linda and Pat in particular, who were so loving and caring to not only mom but me as well; to Rev. and Mrs. Abe and Anne Quiring for countless hours of support and guidance to our entire family, and to all our friends and family who have helped us deal with moms failing health over the past few years...we are eternally grateful. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 7 at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel in Stonewall, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Neil Block officiating. Viewing will take place one hour before the service. Internment to follow at Stonewall Cemetery, with a lunch to be served afterwards. Pallbearers represent Moms full life...long-time family friends, Willi (Bill) Foth, Richard Hiebert and John Heide, and nephews, Brian Meads, Ken Appleyard and Murray Ellison. We hope all who knew and loved Mom as we did will consider themselves honorary pallbearers as well. Rest in peace mom...you were such a blessing to all! You gave totally and unselfishly of yourself to everyone. Your body has failed you, but your spirit lives on. You will be in our hearts forever. I love you, Mom, and I miss you terribly. I am so thankful you picked me to adopt...you gave me such a wonderful life. God bless you, Mom. Till we meet again, you are now in Gods care. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2002