Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elaine Walker Obituary
Amherst, MA — Elaine Louise Walker, passed away Sunday, January 30th, 2022, at home surrounded by her loved ones after 83 wonderful years of life.
Elaine was born March 3, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Louise and Ingval Paulson. She studied at the University of Minnesota, where she met and married the love of her life, James (Jim) Walker, who she was married to for 56 years until his passing in 2015.
Elaine will be lovingly missed by her children, Steve and his wife Jamie (Stein) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Anita Walker of Fort Collins, Colorado. She also leaves six grandchildren and one great grandchild, Maggie, Jessie, Meghan, Brandon, Alex, Tommy and Capri. She is preceded in death by her son Ted, and husband Jim.
She will be remembered for so many things, but most widely for her beautiful voice, and for her considerable talent as a dressmaker. She was a central figure in the Valley Light Opera (VLO) since 1980, where she has played many roles, including head of the costume crew, producer, chorus member and costume designer. At St. Bridget's in Amherst, she was a long standing member of the choir. She cantored, and sang at weddings and funeral masses. Over the years she has sewn bridal gowns and dresses for many in the Amherst community, worked for the Hampshire College theater department helping students create costumes, and sang in the Newman Center Choir.
Elaine's ability to bring people together was truly remarkable. Her selfless work in costuming, singing, and education united and strengthened the Amherst community as a whole, yet it's the small warm moments with Elaine that are most cherished by those who knew her – from something as simple as her turkey casseroles, always so eagerly anticipated at family gatherings, to her encouraging and patient smiles teaching her grandchildren to sew for the first time. Elaine's caring empathy has left a profound impact on her friends, family, and Amherst community. It is that love and empathy which now lives on in all whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation at www.myotonic.org/donate, or the Valley Light Opera at www.VLO.org. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Walker
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Elaine Walker's name
Memorial Events
for Elaine Walker
How to support Elaine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elaine Walker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
