Kathy Anne (Wood) Walker, 69, of Warren, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, May 26, 2013 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. She was born December 12, 1943 in Meadville, PA to the late Harold E. and Georgene L. (Gaub) Wood of Saegertown, PA.
Kathy was a graduating member of the Class of 1961 of Saegertown High School in Saegertown, PA. She attended Edinboro State College majoring in Special Education and completed an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1982.
Kathy had a lifelong passion for children, which she lovingly displayed throughout her life as a teacher for Head Start in Warren County and as a teacher/director for the Youngsville First United Methodist Church Preschool, a career that spanned more than 20 years. She was proud to raise two sons, Shawn O. (Suzanne) Walker of Warren, PA, and Erin D. (Stephanie) Walker of Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, over the last nine years, she made a lasting impression on six grandchildren, Lauren, Sophie, Lily, and Madeline of Warren, PA and Ryan and Brady of Pittsburgh, PA, always encouraging them to expand there imagination and explore their creativity.
She loved animals and the outdoors and was an avid gardener, (not surprisingly) marrying a biology teacher, Paul O. Walker, on December 29, 1962, celebrating 50 years of marriage last year. Referred to as “Mother Nature” by her grandchildren, there wasn’t anything that she couldn’t grow or nurture back to health. The beauty of her gardens is a tribute to a woman who appreciated and valued the simple pleasures in life.
Kathy was all about family and made sure that every holiday and birthday was special. Through her thoughtful gifts, gestures or famous baking (blueberry and brown bread, and knot rolls are family favorites) she made sure that family occasions were always memorable. Time with Gramma (and Grampa) was one of the most sought-after commodities, never knowing what activity was coming next or what adventure lied around the corner. A new song, rhyme or dance was always waiting as a cherished treat. To everyone’s benefit, she looked at the world a little differently, brought out the best in people and set the stage for all to succeed, inspiring everyone to believe in themselves and seek out the best in life. The world could never ask for a better wife, mother, grandmother, sister or friend.
In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her brother Timothy P. (Kimberly) Wood, sister Susan C. (Scott) Hindle, and stepmother, Shirley Mae (Dworshak) Wood, all of Saegertown, PA, sisters-in-law, Lois R. (Kent) Duve’ of Sarver, PA; Jane G. Walker of Atherton, CA; Kaye G. Dryden of Meadville, PA; Dana G. (Mark) Ruttenberg of Conneaut Lake, PA and brother-in-law, Lynn A. (Marsha) Walker of Meadville, PA.
She will always be remembered for her optimistic spirit, caring nature and the endless smiles she put on people’s faces. A celebration of Kathy’s life will be hosted at 108 East Street, Warren, PA on June 8th, between 11am and 2pm. All are welcome.
Those who wish to share a memory or express condolences may do so at www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. Memorials, if desired, are encouraged to be made to the Warren County Humane Society (Paws Along the River), 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA or the Warren Garden Club, (Dorothy McCarthy), 6 Beaty Court, Warren, PA.
Shawn:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Erin and all family and friends, we’re so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Kathy gave so much love and caring that she’ll not easily be forgotten. You have our thoughts and prayers through your time of need.
So very saddened to hear of your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time.
My Dear friend Paul and family
We were saddened by your loss. My mind goes back to our reunion of 2010. We were all together and had the best time, and yes, remembering those memories of our high school days. We cherish those times with you and Kathy. She was a wonderful lady. I know that there is a hole in your heart. The Shoshone tribe has a saying, “when there is a hole in your heart you have to fill it with all of those special memories and feelings of many years in the same home with the same woman”.
Love you
Jerry and Judy Dilley
Shawn and Erin, my thoughts are with you and your families. I am very sorry for your loss.
All my best,
Kate
Dear Paul, Shawn, Erin, and family,
I worked with Kathy at the Youngsville First Methodist Preschool for many years. I was shocked and saddened to read of her passing. My heart goes out to all of you. She was so proud of her family and adored those grandkids!! We continued to stay in touch through cards each holiday and birthday, always addressing it to Sherry Sherry, signing it Kathy Kathy and usually adding a verse to a song or fingerplay from our preschool days……I will miss those little things. You all have my deepest sympathies and my prayers… Sherry
Rest in peace Kathy Kathy…..Love Sherry Sherry
When I saw the name Kathy Walker in the Warren Times Observer obituaries, I was sad but hoping it was a different Kathy. I was even more sad to learn it was indeed Shawn’s mom. When you are in 7th grade and have a group of friends you hang out with, you meet parents and often want to just get away from them and mess around. Paul and Kathy Walker were different. I liked talking to them just as much as hanging out with Shawn and doing crazy things kids do. Kathy played along with our Reading class inspired story of how the Bermuda triangle went through a black hole in space to another planet where the almighty Gumby was the ruler. We, of course, were aliens! We used to joke about the “Mother ship” coming to visit. She played right along with it! Told us she heard from the mother ship, etc. How fun!!Halloween is another time that always makes me think of her. The decorations, scary music and witch costume were the best! I can honestly say I am better for having known her, because she was a wonderful example of how parents can and should interact with kids and their friends. Friends sometimes come and go in our lives, but the impact and memories last on. I had the opportunity to re-connect with the Walkers through our kids being in swimteam together. I spent a good bit of time talking to Kathy at a Warren meet last year. It was very nice to see her, and it is so sad that she is gone.
I am sad for you Paul (best biology teacher ever, who helped me decide to go into that field) ,and especially Shawn and Erin and your families! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I think of those fun days back in the early eighties often! Now when I think of the Mother Ship being up above, I can know Kathy is up there, not on a ship, but someplace better where maybe she can laugh with me as I remember those days!
May the Lord give you peace and strength as you move forward!!
Todd
You and Kathy have been neighbors with my parents for many years and both were (and are!) so fond of you both. You and Kathy were always willing to help in a moment of need and both my parents knew they could count on you if the need arose. Marty and I took comfort in knowing that you were both there and were so willing to watch out for my folks since we weren’t there to do so. You were both so sweet to my family after my mom passed away and I knew you would miss her as we all do. Kathy’s gardens were a delight to mom and dad from their vantage point on their back porch and I’m sure to the rest of the neighbors surrounding you. I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderfully caring and compassionate woman – she was a “class act” as my dad says – and he’s right. Please take care of yourself and know that everyone is thinking of you, your family – and Kathy.
We were deeply saddened to hear of your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To Paul and your family,
Words don’t come easy at a time like this Paul. My sympathy to you. I have known Kathy (Mom) for many years of her early childhood as we grew up together in Kerrtown. At our 50th class reunion I was able to reconnect with Kathy. It was like old times, talking about her parents, the beautiful brick home always filled with love and yes beautiful flower gardens. What a grand person with a beautiful smile!
God has strange ways and we don’t know what plans he has for Kathy, but believe and God will give you strength to carry you through these difficult days ahead. You all have many wonderful memories that will always stay with you and she will always be in your heart. She is your Special angel now.
Paul you always have all your classmates to help you at this time. Thanks for the email as I am in Alaska and won’t not have known.
Sandy
May God be with All of You,
Sandy
Kathy always had such a beautiful smile for everyone. From
Dear Paul, Shawn, Erin, and family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Our warmest condolences,
Paul, Gisele, Nura and Layla
Shawn,
I’m so sorry for your families loss. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for your family at this time. I did not know your mother but from what I just read she was remembered an outstanding, woman- mother and grandmother. God’s blessing with you and your family at this difficult time.
Paul, We send our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dear Kathie. In time, may you find great comfort in memories of fun family times, treasures, indeed. Your precious grandchildren are so fortunate to have you to carry on all those traditions. God Bless you, Paul, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Betty & Terry
Our thoughts and prayers go out to whole family on your loss. We will miss that proud smile at Christmas time, with the girls…..!
Paul and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy will live in your hearts and all the wonderful memories you have made together. Remember those times and pass down those stories so that her good and loving spirit remains in the world for all.
Bless –
Linda
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Paul and family,
My condolences to you on the sudden loss of Kathy.
You will be in my thoughts.
Kind regards,
Pat Reinke
Our daughter, Sherry, was one of probably thousands of other young children in Youngsville who saw Kathy Walker as a remarkable teacher. She always spoke to us very candidly about our daughter, and we knew her recommendations could be trusted. She had the heart of a saint and the patience of Job. Sherry is now a mother of a 4 year old, and she is working in pre school care. Sherry now understands how much WORK is involved in teaching and caring for young children. Kathy will be sorely missed by many people, but she is a bright shining star in heaven. Roger & Karen Slocum, Sherry & Bella Slocum
There are no words to express how saddened we are to hear of Kathy’s passing. Paul, Shawn, Erin, please know we will keep you in our prayers. She is going to be so missed by all of you and especially those beautiful grandchildren she so adored.. We hope all those wonderful memories give you the strength to get through this difficult time.
Shawn and Erin
Your mother raised some fantastic sons and left your family with beautiful memories. She was an amazing lady and I am so sad to hear of your loss. HUGS to you both. I know it has been years since we have all seen each other but I have many great memories of the Walker home on Warren Blvd. I will say a prayer for you all and please give your father a huge hug from me.