Ethel Catherine Walke

Ethel Catherine Walker

Ethel Catherine Walker (nee Williamson), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born in New Jersey on Feb. 2, 1931, Ethel lived a life filled with love, humor, creativity, and service. She was the devoted wife of Robert Ormond Walker, a career Navy man, and together they raised five children: Michelle, Michael, Kimberly, Christopher, and Sharon, while embracing the strength and flexibility that come with military life.

Ethel served as a nurse with deep compassion and care, touching the lives of countless patients and families. She was also an accomplished painter and a talented seamstress. Her hands were rarely still, she created beauty with her art, and comfort with her sewing, including more than 7,000 handmade pillowcases donated to military service members.

Known for her quick wit, fearless heart, and deep kindness, Ethel never stopped surprising and delighting those around her. She made friends wherever she went, skydived at the age of 92, and never passed up a chance to play in the snow. She left a garden wherever she went, both in bloom and in spirit.

Ethel’s legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Jason, Jessica, Kristen, Lauren, Raquel, Nicholas, Harmony, Catherine, and Christopher; great-grandchildren: Ashleigh, Lindsay, Brett, Donovan, Bennett, and Nolan; and great-great-grandchildren Nova and Raine.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the SunBird Ballroom, where her family and friends will gather to honor and remember a life so beautifully lived.

She will be interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date to be determined.