It is with heavy hearts that we share our mother, Barbara A. Walker, passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at her residence, just shy of her 90th birthday.

Barbara was born on December 14, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. She met her husband of 62 years, Robert Walker, in an acting class at the State University College at Oswego. They married in 1955 in West Point, NY after both graduating with degrees in teaching. Anyone who knew them was sure both were passionate educators. Barbara’s first full time teaching job was in Fulton, NY and her final long term position was as a teacher at the Putnam Valley Elementary School where she was affectionately known as “the strongest fourth grade teacher”. The love of her life and partner, Robert, preceded her five years ago in 2018.

In addition to her family and teaching, Barbara was very passionate about her faith and her community. She was a chaplain at the NY Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortland Manor for 28 years and an active and enthusiastic member of Grace United Methodist Church in Putnam Valley where she leaves generations of dear friends. She always looked on the bright side of life and loved people exactly as they are. Her giving nature inspired her to give time and attention to those in need and step in where others couldn’t, truly living a giving lifestyle.

If you knew Barbara for a while, you would remember that she always wore a frog pin. Every day. In 1972, one of her students surprised her with a gift of two live pet frogs, Freddy and Herman. From then on she was an avid fan of frogs living by the creed, F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God).

Barbara spent the last 13 months of her life living in the wonderful community at The Club at Briarcliff Manor where she met new friends, enjoyed exercise, group events and Sunday night opera. She even won the first Rummikub tournament. Her aide, Maureen Asafu, became her cherished friend and member of the family.

Barbara is survived by her children: Deborah Walker, Nancy Loftis (Larry), Kenneth Walker (Dorine), and John Walker (Amy), grandchildren: Katherine Anderson (Kevin), Jennifer Jack (Randy) and Megan Walker (Justin), her brother William Schulz (Dottie), and wonderful second family of sisters: Maryanne (DL), Nell (Sonny), brothers: Beau (Shar) and Joe (Sandy), and loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held on January 13, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church in Putnam Valley, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations close to Barbara’s heart – Grace United Methodist Church, 337 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 (in honor of Barbara Walker), The Putnam Valley Historical Society, PO Box 297, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 (in honor of Barbara Walker).