Kathryn Ann Walker, beloved sister, aunt, and friend passed away on Dec 15, 2020. Born December 26, 1948, Kathryn was the eldest child of Bernard Lewis and Rita Dorothy (Schafer) Walker, who preceded her in death. Her youngest sister, Paula (Robert) Gordon, Dearborn, MI also preceded her. She is survived by siblings —Craig Walker, Boynton Beach, FL; Brian (Wendy) Walker, Cape Coral, FL; Mary Walter, Grand Rapids, MI; Patricia (Clark) Fernon, San Diego, CA; and Theresa (John) Melton, Grand Haven, MI, as well as nieces and nephews—Ben, Sarah, Louis, Olivia, Theo, Melina, Tony, Alexandria, Claudia, Bobby, Jimmy, and numerous cousins far and wide. In addition to a family that loved her, Kathryn was blessed with two very dear people in her life, Mary (Perez) Wright and Judy Purkiss. Kathryn met Mary in junior high school and they became fast friends. She was soon included in the Perez family for sleepovers, holidays, and special occasions. Their girlhood friendship grew and continued as Mary married and had children who fondly referred to Kathryn as “Aunt Kathy.” The bond between Kathy and Mary deepened over the years and sustained them through both the happy and the difficult times of life. Kathryn met her good friend, Judy, many years ago when they worked together at the State of Michigan Agriculture Laboratory, where Kathy worked for over 30 years. They shared a love of animals and spent many happy times going to lunches, concerts, and outings. In recent years, when Kathryn had health problems, Mary and Judy were always there to help with appointments, groceries, errands, a helping hand, and a listening ear. Kathryn loved to read and she was a quick study. She was well versed and enjoyed conversations on many topics. In 1996 she fulfilled her dream of attending the Atlanta Summer Olympics. Kathryn had a special love for animals, both domestic and wild. She had a parade of well-loved pets that were her constant companions through the years. She also enjoyed observing the natural world and was a frequent visitor to favorite wild-life cams and discussion boards. Kathryn had a larger-than-life presence. She loved a good meal and a good laugh. She had a big heart and was generous—presenting little surprises to her kid sisters, picking up a dinner tab, fishing in her purse to find a gift card to pass to someone, sharing her financial expertise, and contributing to her animal charities. She will be sorely missed, but remembered with great affection and humor. No services are planned at this time. If you would like to honor Kathryn's memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to your favorite animal charity.
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