Esther Walker

(1918-2016)

Esther Walker, 97, widow of Frank Walker, formerly of Schreiber and Manitouwadge, died in her sleep on March 5 after a brief hospital stay. Her funeral was March 11 in Regina, followed by interment in Moose Jaw.

Esther was one of seven children born near Moose Jaw to Danish farming immigrants, Louis and Tillie Johnsen. After marrying in 1947, Frank and Esther moved to Schreiber where he worked as a mechanic and she became a homemaker raising two daughters. Between 1958-1970 they lived in Manitouwadge where Frank managed a garage for Spadoni Brothers, after which Frank was transferred to Schreiber. During those years, they were active in the United Church, Lions Club, and the Legion, and enjoyed curling, golfing, and travelling. In 1981, they retired to Moose Jaw. She was widowed when Frank unexpectedly died in Hawaii in 1986.

Esther was a skilled homemaker who quilted, sewed, knitted, preserved, canned, baked, and kept an immaculate home. She was hardworking, kind, and thoughtful, and valued family above all else. Her independent nature motivated her to get her driver's license after Frank died and to continue travelling each winter to Hawaii until age 85, after which family members accompanied her for four more years. With family support, she remained in her home until October 2011, when she moved into a care home in Regina to be closer to Edith.

Blessed with healthy longevity and a close family, she is survived by daughters Linda Walker (John de Bakker), Thunder Bay and Edith Canfield (Ron), Regina; grandchildren Chris (Stephanie Monsson) and Jason Canfield; Sarah de Bakker (Ryan Hamlin), and Elizabeth Furness (Alex); great-grandchildren Emma Canfield and Isabella Furness.