Janet Claire Walker

"Well done, good and faithful servant "
Matthew 25:23
Janet Claire Walker, age 87, a beloved resident of Concord and longtime resident of Marshfield, Massachusetts, entered eternal rest on October 18, 2025. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was the cherished daughter of Leon Aloysius Swan, a Watertown Arsenal arms worker and native of British Guiana, and Iva Leonora Barker (Swan) Hurst, a dedicated Massachusetts General Hospital nurse from Harlem, New York. She was also lovingly guided by her devoted stepfather, Fredrick William Hurst.
A proud graduate of Brighton High School, Janet continued her studies at the University of Massachusetts. She shared over 55 years of marriage with her beloved husband, the late Walter Lee Walker, Jr., whom she deeply loved and faithfully honored throughout her life.
Janet is survived by her loving family: children Larry (m. Tammy), Kendall (m. Jennette), Kai (m. Kristin), and Robin (m. Geoffrey Talvola). She was preceded in death by her sons Ivion "Cookie" Walker and Rudolph Lee Walker, also known as Kris Alexander Sheridan. She leaves to cherish her memory of ten adored grandchildren-Jake Walker, Kristin Miller (m. Drew Miller), Ami Walker, Melanie Walker, Kasey Walker-Brown (m. Derrick Brown), Jordan Walker, Joshua Walker, Kylie Walker, Miles Talvola, and Kai Talvola-her nephews David William Swan and Erik C. Betts (m. Melissa Barker), grandnephew Jaden Isaiah Betts, and her beloved sisters Julie Anne Swan and Betty L. Hurst, with whom she shared a lifelong bond.
For more than 42 years, Janet dedicated her life to public service and advocacy, having served as President Northeast Chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees and dedicated member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, championing the rights and dignity of working families. Additionally, she meritoriously retired from the Social Security Administration where she served with compassion and integrity.
Janet will be remembered for her grace, humor, and steadfast faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and strength touched countless lives. Her light continues to shine through the love she gave and the lives she inspired.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road, Lexington, MA, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 am at Grace Chapel. The repast will immediately follow the service at Grace Chapel, where all are welcome to gather, celebrate and share with each other their favorite memory of Janet.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Janet Walker Presidential Scholarship Fund, by mail to:
AFGE Local 1164
Janet Walker Presidential Scholarship
119 Industrial Drive
PO Box 1134
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.
Click here to view Robin's tribute to her mother