Obituary of Mae Walker
WALKER, E. Mae - In Owen Sound, on November 27th, 2023, E. Mae Walker of Owen Sound, formerly of Allenford, passing just weeks after her 92nd birthday. Mother of Carolyn (Mark) and Susan. Daughter of the late Dora and Lloyd Tompkins. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Remembered fondly by her nephew Rob Nichol for whom she had a special regard. Predeceased by her husband H. Gerald Walker of Allenford, her parents, and her sister Eugenia Nichol of Blenheim.
Mae loved live musical theatre, was an avid reader and liked nothing better than spending a day at an auction scouting for interesting antiques. She was an accomplished piano player, enjoyed capturing nature with her camera and made tasty butter tarts.
A teacher from the age of 18, Mae had a love of music which led her in retirement to many happy years of volunteering with the Kiwanis Music Festival and the Georgian Bay Symphony, serving as President of the Georgian Bay Symphony for a period of time.
Making the most of her retirement, she travelled across Canada and beyond. She devoted countless hours to leadership within RWTO (The Retired Women Teachers of Ontario) and RTO (The Retired Teachers of Ontario), but most enjoyed her time at the podium wielding the gavel as a member of the Parliamentarian Team for RTO’s Senate events.
Mom suffered a debilitating life-altering stroke in 2008 and valiantly learned how to speak and read again. Demonstrating resiliency and tenacity, she worked hard to overcome every obstacle thrown her way. After achieving a degree of recovery, ever a teacher, she developed a workshop filled with helpful tips for others who were recovering from a stroke.
We are grateful for the kind care and support of the staff at Summit Place Lodge, particularly through these very challenging recent years.
As per her wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family committal is planned for the spring. Arrangements entrusted to the DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME, Hepworth.
Our mother had a longstanding love of music and strong belief in the power of music to enrich all our lives. In lieu of flowers as expressions of sympathy the family would appreciate donations to the Walker Endowed Fund at Community Foundation Grey Bruce which supports the development of young musicians and special programs within the Georgian Bay Symphony or to a children’s charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence for the family are welcome at www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com