Jean Preston Walker

Jean Preston Walker June 9, 2011 Jean Preston Walker, 88, of Syracuse, passed way Thursday at University Hospital. She had resided in her home on Winkworth Parkway for more than 50 years prior to moving to the Wynwood Assisted Living Facility three years ago. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she came to Syracuse in 1940 to attend Syracuse University, where she received a Bachelor of Science. While working as an editor and advertising writer at General Electric Company, she met Robert Preston, whom she married in 1947. The couple had four children. Following her husband's death in 1969, she returned to the workforce, managing both office furniture and scrap metal accounts for Marley's Division of Abe Cooper, Inc. In 1972, she accepted the position of executive director of the Corinthian Foundation. In that position, she oversaw financial, physical plant and programming operations of the Wagon Wheel Senior Center. When she married her second husband, M. Robert Walker Jr., in 1973, she stepped down as executive director and was nominated to the foundation's board of directors, where she served as board president. She became volunteer coordinator for the Onondaga County Department of Health in 1979, a position reporting directly to the commissioner of health. She then became director of public affairs for the Volunteer Center, Inc., a post she held for 10 years and in that role also served as lead staff member for organizing the annual Christmas Bureau. Her commitment to community service related to the needs of the elderly extended beyond her professional and volunteer role with the Corinthian Foundation. She was appointed to the Metropolitan Commission on Aging for two consecutive terms and served two years as its chairman. She also served on the boards of directors of Meals on Wheels, the Foundation of the St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Upstate Medical Center Auxiliary and was a member of the advisory committees of both the Senior Companion Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Even with a full schedule of family, professional and volunteer responsibilities over the years, she remained an avid follower of SU sports, loved to play bridge or a round of golf at Bellevue Country Club. In addition to her second husband, who died in 1996, she was predeceased by a brother and two sisters. Surviving are her children, Susan of Pittsford, NY, David (Celia) of Downingtown, PA, Barbara (John) Rokahr of Camillus and Sally of Pelham Manor, NY; two grandchildren, Carrie and Michael; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home, 5854 Belle Isle Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ann's Church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski Funeral Home 5854 Belle Isle Road Syracuse, NY 13209