Karen Elise Walker

Karen Elise Walker, 59
PORTLAND -- Karen Elise Walker, 59, of Summit Street in Portland, passed away Sunday morning, Dec. 26, 2010, at the Maine Medical Center with her family by her side.
Karen was born in Camp Lejeune, N.C., on April 30, 1951, the daughter of Harry and Dorothy Rogers. Her family traveled throughout the East coast before finally settling in Maine.
She loved to help others whether it was volunteering to teach art to young people or taking care of her aunt and grandmother.
Karen worked for Portland Parks and Recreation for a time and started dabbling in organic gardening before its popularity. For over 20 years, she worked at the Iris Network, formally the Maine Center for the blind.
Though her health was declining, she never stopped caring or doing for others, even right up to the end. She loved art, angels, pigs and farming.
Karen loved her children, her family and her friends. A spiritual person, she found strength in meditation and doing for others.
She was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Rogers; and her brother, Martin M. Rogers. She is survived by her father, Harry Rogers of Portland; Nancy T. Griffin of Portland; Cynthia A. Veilleaux and her husband Wallace of Greene; Harry A. Rogers and his wife Jennifer; and Andrew J. Rogers and his wife Mizpah. She is also survived by her children, Elijah B. Walker and his wife Amy, Rayne L. Walker and her fiance Corey, and Isaiah R. Walker and his fiance Schola Mwangi. Her surviving grandchildren are Calvin, Sakara, Zavier, Gabriel, Isaiah and Carmyn. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Robert, Justin, Fallon, Vanessa, Melissa, Eric, Andrea, Jonah, Jessica and Julia.
A memorial service in celebration of Karen's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, at the First Evangelical Free Church of Maine, 355 Bridgton Rd., Westbrook. There will be an informal gathering at the church following the service. To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland.
Karen Elise Walker