Sally Neilson Walker

Sally (Neilson) Walker passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital on February 15, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on April 12, 1935, in Portland, Maine, to Robert and Helen Neilson, Sally was a lifelong resident of the city she loved. She graduated from Deering High School, where she met the love of her life and future husband of 65 years, Gabriel “Gabe” Walker Jr.

Sally and Gabe were married in Portland on November 9, 1957, and built a life together in the family home on Fessenden Street, where they raised their six children. Sally took great pride in managing the household finances, often a challenge on a teacher’s salary—and did so with determination, care, and quiet skill.

While she never claimed to enjoy cooking, Sally had a few specialties that became legendary in the neighborhood and loved by her family. Saturday night baked beans and hot dogs were a staple in the Walker household, always followed by her famous “Congo” bars—provided, of course, you finished your dinner.

After her children were all in school, Sally began working full-time at Maine Savings Bank, where she was employed for more than ten years.

In April of 2025, Sally celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She later said it was “the best day of her life,” a reflection of how deeply she cherished the people around her.

Sally also looked forward to lunches with the cousins each month and her weekly breakfast club with the “girls”.

Sally is lovingly remembered by her six children and their spouses: Tim and Gloria of Scarborough; Pete; Mike and Cathy; Jim “Butch” and Monique, all of Portland; Julie and Mike Beauchemin of Chadds Ford, PA; and Andrew of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren—Callie (and Tucker) Friel, Courtney, Sammi, Julia, Gabe, Michaela, Lilly, Lainie, Noelle, and Aidan—and her great-granddaughter, Winslow.

She is further survived by her younger siblings, Bob (and Peggy) Neilson and Sue (and Rick) Luthe; her brothers-in-law Roy (and Kathy) Walker and Jeff Tozier; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Janice Sullivan.

Sally was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Gabe; her grandson, Andrew; and her younger siblings, Linda Neilson, Carla Tozier, and Peter Neilson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents at Park Danforth in Portland for their friendship and support, and to the caregivers at Northern Light Hospice and Mercy Hospital for their compassionate and attentive care.

In lieu of flowers, Sally hoped those who loved her would honor her memory by sharing a meal with a friend, raising a glass, and indulging in a bit of shopping — just as she would have loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 10th from 5 - 7 p.m. at DiMillo’s On The Water in Portland. All are welcome to join in honoring and remembering Sally.