Jean Walker Obituary

98 years ago, Jean Catherine Walker (nee Genevieve Durando) was born on St. Patrick’s Day at home in Brooklyn, NY to Helen Riddle and Harry Durando. She was raised in East New York. As the oldest of ten children, Jean throughout her life was a caregiver to her siblings and favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was the family connector, (aka Matriach) of the extended Durando family acknowledging everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries, and important events. She also actively maintained close contact and friendship with her Riddle family cousins.

In 1950, she married the love of her life, Navy veteran Raymond Walker of Ozone Park, NY. Ray was the oldest of eight children of Helen Wald and Alfred Walker. Jean and Ray were active Catholics attending mass regularly, Ray choosing to convert to the Catholic faith upon meeting Jean. They overcame impoverished backgrounds to live a comfortable life. They owned their own home and were proud to send their son to college and law school. They resided in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn until 1978 when they moved to Richmond Hill, Queens where she resided until her death. Ray passed unexpectedly in 1994 after 44 years of marriage.

She took pride in being a frugal and extremely organized homemaker but had also worked alongside her lifelong best friend, Regina Fischer (aka Chris’ godmother) for NY Telephone until 1963. Later she served for 10 years as a receptionist for a chiropractor working with her sister Helen. Jean until the end, maintained her meticulous home, kept her mind sharp by doing a crossword puzzle every day, driving until 97 and communicating by phone with her extended family. She was an avid and economic shopper, having graced famous department stores for over 75 years.

Loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by her son, Chris Walker, his wife Mary Califf, and her grandson Andrew Walker. Her grandson was her pride and joy. She loved to spend time with him, cooking pancakes and sharing their mutual love for ice cream. Jean passed on March 31 after courageously battling four different cancers and beating three of them over the last 17 years.

In Lieu of flowers:  https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=24bfff0b-3382-4d4c-a47c-54c872c1024a&envid=p-5Z0TTCCHBU6ba7-8TlatVA&zone=usa