Valerie Frances Walker, 85, passed away on March 6, 2024. Val was the beloved daughter of the late Elmer R. and Margaret E. Walker. She was predeceased by her brother David A. Walker. Val is survived by her sister, Carole (Carly) Larson of California, brother Kevin Walker and his wife Jane of Plymouth, and brother Christopher Walker. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
In her early childhood, Val was a resident of the Fernald School in Waltham, MA. After leaving Fernald as a young adult, she had the opportunity to be placed in group homes/residential settings with caregivers in Roslindale, Brighton, Dorchester, Duxbury, and Carver. The Walker family would especially like to thank the individuals who enriched Val’s life/served as her caregivers over the past decade: Ms. Chris Long of Duxbury and the BAMSI team at her most recent home in Carver.
Throughout her long life, Val was active and engaged and participated in family events and endless social activities. As a child and young adult, Val spent her summers and all holidays at home with family in Mattapan. In Val’s early years, her mother was a founding member of Greater Boston Association of Retarded Citizens and was instrumental in organizing myriad summer activities for Val and her peers with disabilities, especially daytime adventures at Castle Island in South Boston. A particular milestone in Val’s life was when Boston’s Cardinal Cushing announced her to be a “child of God” and bestowed her ability to receive Holy Communion along with all Roman Catholics. Val loved singing and dancing, and never missed a family wedding. She also enjoyed walking, swimming, and being around people. Red was her favorite color.
As an adult, Val enjoyed her time crafting and working at Gateway Crafts sheltered workshop in Brookline, and then at the Efron Center in Kingston. She remained engaged and active in many fun activities into her 80’s. Val made friends everywhere she went, and she was loved by many.
A Celebration of Life/Remembrance Mass will take place on Saturday, July 6, at 4 p.m., at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 126 South Meadow Road, Plymouth. Family, friends, and caregivers are invited to attend a dinner after the Mass at 10 Marscot Way, Plymouth. Please RSVP to Janine Dyer at scottandjaninedyer@gmail.com if you plan to attend the dinner in her backyard.