Andrea, a beloved mother, sister, Nanny, great nanny, aunt, dear friend, and loving wife. All names she treasured. Growing up on 494 Esplanade, Nanny adored her mother and father, her sister Marion, and her sister Weiner, who was her best friend. Weiner and Nanny were two peas in a pod, and it showed.
Nanny was the loving mother of seven kids. There are fond memories of driving in the Volkswagen beetle to Gillis Lake, Nanny screaming the loudest for Kent’s hockey and baseball games, and having a good glass of 7-UP and rum, “with this much white pop”.
There was a lot of time spent at Aubrey and Weiner’s with the cousins, and regular trips to the Walkers.
Born in Benacadie, she loved going to the bungalow. There were many beautiful summers spent at the bungalow with Grampie, friends, and family, full of parties with laughter and music. We may not have a musical bone in our body, but she instilled in us a love for dancing.
Nanny was a woman who loved her crosswords, bingo, lottery tickets, and card games. She attracted good conversation, and always made sure to save room for dessert. But don’t try to offer her any leftovers, because they might have turned “funny”.
Nanny was the heart of the Walker clan who loved her family fiercely and was proud of each and everyone’s accomplishments. From baby and wedding showers, graduations, weddings, and christenings, she wouldn’t think of missing a single event for her kids and ten grandchildren.
From the very beginning, Sundays with family were very important. Nanny always had a very strong faith. The last pew back there is where all of us sat through more than a few church services with Nanny and Grampie. The kids remember Sunday meant a trip to church often followed by a roast beef dinner. We were very fortunate to have her play such an active roll in our lives with lots of memories made along the way. As children, we cherished every visit to Frenchvale, and for many of us it became our second home. Nanny and Grampie’s was a Christmas traditions, always with too much food and way too many presents.
Nanny was a spitfire who was ready and willing to go anywhere, with thanks to Kevin and Gabe for abiding by her every request. She loved to travel and had wonderful times in Halifax, North Carolina, New York, Ottawa, and Calgary. After losing Grampie, who lovingly douhted on her for their 52 years together, she decided she would branch out. Since then, she was busy most days. She didn’t let anything stop her and until three weeks ago she was still bombing around in the Caliber blasting Daniel O’Donnell getting to her card games in Boisdale, the seniors in Frenchvale, and Bras d’Or.
Outside of cards, Nanny’s regular schedule included going up the hill to visit Gabriella. In more recent years, she also became the family’s designated driver. She was the best baker around, even though she could never remember a recipe, which made it almost impossible to replicate anything even close to as good as hers. Despite her arthritic hands, she was still making bread and tea biscuits regularly. Although she never was a fan of the clean up!
Nanny was as smart as a whip and there wasn’t much you could get past her. Maybe not the best at keeping secrets, but she loved surprises and seeing us happy. Like all families, we have conflict but we always came together in the end. We have always been tight knit, and we have Nanny to thank. She made sure to keep in contact with the kids everyday with a daily phone call, so nothing was ever missed. Family meant everything to her. We now take it upon ourselves to continue Nanny’s legacy and keep the celebrations alive.
Nanny talked to Grampie every single day since he passed. She knew he was listening and looking out for her. Now, they are together and looking down on us, laughing at our attempted to capture her beautiful life.
Nanny, we couldn’t love you more. Say hello to the others we have loved and lost. Heaven’s kitchen party just got a whole lot more exciting.
In the words of Nanny, “JJ”.
I have gone from sight but
I am waiting
Waiting just beyond the
rainbow’s end
I’m happy in this place that
I have come to
Because I’m here with my
forever friend
Now all your thoughts of me
let them be joyful
Of things we’ve done and happy
times we’ve shared
So don’t be sad dear ones
because I’ve left you
Please laugh and talk to me
as if I’m there.
* * * * * * * * * *
Catherine ‘Andrea’ Walker
Frenchvale
It is with great sadness, the loving family of Catherine ‘Andrea’ Walker of Frenchvale announce her passing on Monday, April 15, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Andrea was born May 24, 1940 in Benacadie West, Cape Breton. She was the daughter of the late Dan N. and Catherine MacNeil.
Andrea was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life of 52 years, Dougie. Mom is survived by her greatest joys, her children. Kathy (Eric) MacRae, Donald Walker, Kim (Albert) Jollymore, Kevin (Gabe) Walker, Kent (the late Kareen) Walker, and Koreen Lahey. Andrea was the most precious grandmother to Natasha (Chad), Joel (Crystal), Francis (Melissa), Kelcie (Vadim), Stephen (Kate), Mary Kate (Liam), Meaghan, Sarah Jane, Patrick Douglas, and Hannah. She watches over her beloved great grandchildren Miah, Grady, Jake, Finley, Edie, Max, Isla, and Olivia.
Andrea is also survived by her sisters in law Gabrielle (her best friend), Mary Jeannette Bennett, Christina MacDonald, and her brother in law Aubrey Bonnell. She cherished a special bond with Patrick Lahey, Wallen Chang-Hong and Kenny Hong as well as nieces and nephews.
Mom was predeceased by her son Douglas Gerard, sisters Marion MacNeil and Edwina Bonnell, her beautiful daughter in law Kareen, her brothers in law John and Danny Walker, and sisters in law Rhodena Currie and Katie Wall.
Mom loved her community of Frenchvale. She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish and founding member of the Frenchvale Road Volunteer Fire Dept. and Ladies Auxillary. Since Dad’s passing seven years ago, Mom travelled the roads from Frenchvale to Boisdale and North Sydney, all in the name of a game of cards. She loved her friends dearly, and always made sure to have a great time.
To Mom, you were the boss of our family who brought love and joy to us all. Family gatherings will not be the same, but we will live by your example and cherish each moment we have with each other. Dad is now enjoying your baking in heaven, and making sure the tea biscuits aren’t burnt! We will miss you, Ma.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Greg Myatt , who gave her such wonderful care over the years and a special thank you to the IMCU and Pallative care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society or St. Mary’s Parish Frenchvale
Visitation will be held at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, on Wednesday April 17, 2019 from 5pm to 9pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church Frenchvale, on Thursday April 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Vargheese Puthuparambil presiding.
Online condolences may be left by visiting www.twcurry.com
