DENMARK — Mary Josephine (Tipton) Walker, 83, passed away peacefully, with her loving husband at her side, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014.
Mary was born in Seymore, Tenn., on Sept. 17, 1931, to her proud parents, William Tipton and Kathaleen Manning. Mary was one of six siblings: Anna, Margaret, Lillian, Kathleen, and her brother William. The family moved to Massachusetts where she attended school. Upon completing her education, Mary remained in Massachusetts for a short time.
Mary was an outdoorswoman with great sense of adventure. She was always up for a challenge, such as sky diving in Orange, Mass., and moving to Waterford, Maine to pursue her love of the outdoors. Mary bought a home in Sweden, along with her best friend, Nancy Chase, and lived there for a few years. Soon after, Mary met Harvey D. Walker of Denmark, and they married Sept. 13, 1963. Her marriage to Harvey brought her two children from a prior marriage of his, Scott Douglas Walker and Gail Elaine Walker (Preble) Soon thereafter Mary gave birth to Maryann Walker (Ela) and Janice Walker (Ott).
Mary and Harvey relocated their family to the town of Denmark, where they lived on what Mary so lovingly called, “The Farm.” There, Mary raised all four children and while doing so, took on a job as a seamstress for Log House Designs. She also passed on her love of the outdoors to her children while teaching them how to negotiate cross-country skiing and going canoeing on the Saco River. Mary worked, at home, for Log House Designs for over thirty-years.
Mary later retired at the age of 75 but devoted most of her time to her loving husband and family. Mary was a very strong Irish woman with high-spirited energy that she infused into the lives of her entire family. She had a great sense of pride for her loved ones and each person had a special place in Mary's heart. She was deeply religious, practicing in the home, and insuring that each person, and family member was in her prayers on a regular basis. Mary was a very generous person. She donated to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital as well as The Maine Children's Cancer Program.
Mary was happiest spending time with her family and welcomed them, on a regular basis, to “The Farm” for a cookout or special occasions. Mary made “The Farm” a central hub for family gatherings with all.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Anna, Margaret, and Lillian; along with her brother William “Billy.” Her stepson, Scott D. Walker also predeceased her on Sept. 16, 2008, at the age of 48. Mary is survived by her husband of 51 years, Harvey D. Walker, her sister, Kathleen (Tipton) Giampa; her stepdaughter, Gail (Walker) Preble; her daughters, Maryann (Walker) Ela and Janice (Walker) Ott; along with her eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Visiting hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wood Funeral Home in Fryeburg, on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, immediately followed by a celebration of Mary's life at 1 p.m. All are invited to attend a celebration gathering at the residence of Harvey D. Walker, located at 7 Harvey Lane, in Denmark, following the services, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in the name of Mary Josephine Walker to: Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org