Obituary of Maureen Lilian Walker
Maureen (nee Brown) Walker (Nov. 17, 1924- Sept 3, 2021) died surrounded by family just two months shy of her 97th birthday. Maureen was predeceased by husband Christopher Walker and son Geoffrey Walker. She was a dearly loved mother to us all. She leaves behind son Philip (Heather), grandchildren David (Britta) and their children Nathan and Lauren, Christopher and his son Sebastian, and Geoff’s daughter, Sarah Walker Keveza (Ryan) and their daughters Macy and Walker.
Maureen was born in Ramsgate, Kent, England to Johanna (Henny) and George Brown. Her father was a career soldier in the British army, one of those known as « The Old Contemptibles », honoured at Westminster Abbey. He had the job of running a Royal Artillery Drill Hall. Maureen was born there and lived her early years in the drill hall accommodations, a great place for a youngster to play. During the war, at age 16, she watched the hundreds of « Little Boats » arrive in Ramsgate Harbour from Dunkirk, an operation where 338,000 soldiers were rescued after being trapped in France. She was quickly evacuated, ended up in London, and lived through the Blitz. Maureen returned to Ramsgate in 1941 and worked there until she married Chris in 1946.
The family emigrated to Canada in 1952 and lived in Brampton, across from the armoury. In 1955, they moved to Georgetown with their young sons Philip and Geoffrey. Maureen became an enthusiastic 52 year resident of Georgetown. Maureen always worked in town. She was clever, talented, and efficient. In her last job, a long stint as school secretary at Joseph Gibbons, her principal confessed that she secretly ran the place.
While Maureen loved Canada dearly, she never forgot her British roots and phoned, emailed and visited her and Chris’s relatives in England often. She loved them all dearly and the Atlantic was never a barrier between her and her UK family. After her family, Maureen’s heart and soul belonged to Georgetown Globe Productions. She released her creativity with devotion to the roles of hat designer, costume designer, secretary, producer, chief worrier and cheerleader of all things Globe. She and Chris were instrumental in the acquisition and renovation of the Town’s Old Armoury. She often said that the opening of the « OA » in 2016 was the happiest day of her life. (Did we mention that Maureen was dramatic?)
The multitalented Maureen was a creative soul…a painter, wordsmith, writer, Arts Alive supporter and a comedic genius. Her wit and humour earned her many lifelong friends, attracting people of all ages, many for 60 years and more. We can describe Maureen as a witty, intelligent, sensitive, straightforward, musical theatre enthusiast who just loved conversing with people and learning their histories. Travel was another passion. Her favourite place (outside of dear old England) was Garda, Italy.
Maureen spent the last 4 years of her life at Sunrise of Erin Mills, where she was the reigning Queen of Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. The staff and residents enjoyed her sunshine and humour, and now they finally feel there’s a chance at winning a game. If any readers catch a spelling or grammar error in this obituary, please feel free to correct these on behalf of Maureen! In true « Show Biz » fashion, Maureen ended her long and happy life, leaving us wanting more.
Donations in celebration of Maureen can be made to Georgetown Globe Productions. A celebration of life will be held at the Old Armoury when we can all be together. And, yes, she has already organized the speakers, soloists and the music.
2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Maureen Lilian Walker 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Georgetown, Province: Ontario