Contributions to the tribute of Barbara J. Walker

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Thursday, November 10, 2022

From Robyn and Irene Belyakov-Goodmam Just knowing our dearest friend Barb Walker has made us better people. We were so lucky to have met her (and of course Jim) in 2003 through our good friend Barbara Dechario at the first of many Passover and other Jewish celebrations. Although Barb wasn’t Jewish, she enjoyed the holidays and never looked out of place. She was a woman comfortable in her own skin. She celebrated the Jewish holidays with us with gusto because her dear friend Barbara was Jewish and wanted her there. And we soon discovered why: All events were happier, more joyful when Barb showed up. We would await her arrival impatiently partially because we knew she’d show up with her trademark chocolate and truffle cakes – which together were pure heaven. A brilliant conversationalist, she always brought a joyful spin to our discussions, including family stories about her beloved children and grandchildren and encouragement for a wide variety of life struggles – whether personal, political - and of course, music and art. She personified taking all in stride. Whatever life handed out, she was always available for the most level-headed advice to make us feel better. And she practiced what she preached: “Stay calm and carry on” and “be helpful” were her modus operandi. She was a living model of how to remain dignified and calm during a crisis. For instance, we will never forget how six years ago, when we received a package of our recently deceased son’s belongings, she dropped everything and rushed to our house to help us open it, and bring us comfort. She made everything seem doable, no matter how scary. She shared this lesson again just days before she passed. When we called and asked her how she was holding up, she paused a minute and said “actually pretty good - considering…” If we hadn’t listened very carefully, we would have missed the part about how she was no longer eating. She explained to us patiently how everyone is going to die at some point and the fact she’s been surrounded by friends and loved ones throughout the process made her feel lucky indeed. She even tried to comfort us - saying that what was happening to her was natural, everyone goes through this one way or another, but us losing a son - that was something “nobody should have to go through.”Her speech was a bit slurred due to pain meds, but she spoke calmly, upbeat. We sent her flowers the next day, and she found the energy to email us with her thanks and told us how much she had enjoyed our friendship. That was three days before she passed! Through life and death, Barb taught us how to live with higher purpose and dignity. Barbara Dechario often said she was the kindest person she ever met. Barb was a wonderful, unexpected gift in our life, and we will continue to love and miss her always.

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Rebecah Corcoran (Hooper) posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Walkers passing. She was a fascinating woman, even as a child going to her house for sleepovers, I could recognize that. She will be missed by all who loved her. My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Walker, Hillary, and the rest of the family.

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peter and pamela kurau posted a condolence

Monday, October 10, 2022

So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She was a force of nature! We will miss her spunk, loyalty, and sense of humor. Our condolences go out to Jim and all of their children, grandchildren, and friends. Peter and Pamela Kurau

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Jeff Hanson posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Barb was an inspiration to us all. Besides a shared love of medicine there was so much shared love of food, gardening and travel. Sarah and I shared innumerable wonderful meals of great food, nonstop talk of travel and gardens and much more. She’s irreplaceable and impossible to forget. She lives on in her zest for life.

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Amanda Lombardo posted a condolence

Monday, October 3, 2022

I have no words Barb was one of a kind a diamond in the rough I met her quite a few months before her death and just loved her so much she spent time with me and listened to me as I did to her I was able to help her with things she couldn’t. She loved telling me about her children and grandchildren. I’ve also had the pleasure meeting a few of the grandkids. Im so sorry to the family at this time no words are needed for me to say except she was a diamond in the rough

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The Gang at CMC planted a tree in memory of Barbara Walker

Monday, October 3, 2022

We all stand strong behind you through this difficult time. May your sadness pass, with memories and love to carry you to a place of peace . Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

A Memorial Tree was planted for Barbara Walker

Monday, October 3, 2022

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Rector-Hicks Funeral Home Inc Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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The family of Barbara J. Walker uploaded a photo

Monday, October 3, 2022

Barbara J. Walker

1940 - 2022

Plant a tree in memory of Barbara