Mona Mae Walker

Mona Mae Walker passed away after a full and fruitful life on August 17, 2021 at the age of 96. Born in Bagley, Minnesota on October 18, 1924 she married Edward Henry Walker on June 11, 1948 who preceded her in death. Mona leaves behind seven children; Debbie, Adele, Pam, Kathy, David, William and Audrey along with thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Mona began life on a farm that had been purchased from the Chippewa Indians by her grandfather, enjoying horse drawn sleigh rides over the snowy fields near Bagley, Minnesota. Mona attended the nearby Indian school until bus transportation came to the farm.

Mona's ambition was to become a teaher and graduated from the Bemidji Teachers College in 1944. She returned home to teach her first year at the Naytahwaush Indian School. While there, Mona became friends with her soon-to-be husband Ed's cousin. After proposing, Ed brought Mona home to meet his parents whom she already knew because of visiting there with his cousin. Mona surprised Ed by greeting his mother with a hug and kiss.

Mona and Ed settled in Shevlin, Minnesota on a dairy farm and set to work raising seven children. Success came with a gentle spirt, a love for children and her "creative crafts" to occupy the children, along with leaving the discipline to dad (Oh No!!). Mona said others discouraged her from having so many children but was happy she had seven. In 1963 they sold the farm and headed out West to Newark, California which would be their home for the next 55 years.

Mona lived a life of service. She was a 4H leader for 25 years, teaching sewing in which she was an accomplished seamstress. She also headed up the American Legion Auxilary, making lifelong friends, while working together supporting Veterans.

She felt strongly about the value of early childhood education and went back to school getting a certification from Ohlone Community College. She taught nursery school and was the director at Fremont Congregational church for 20 years. After that she volunteered in the local elementary school classroom and enjoyed teaching children to read. In 2009 she was recognized as Newark's Volunteer of the Year for her service in the schools. Mona went on to encourage others to volunteer by coordinating the Newark Senior School Volunteer program up until she was 90 years old.

Mona valued family. She was so famous for her week long “camps’ with grandma that the grandchildren's neighboring children wanted to join in too and Mona made room in her home and heart to include them.

Mona, a member of St Edwards Parish in Newark, a believer in Jesus Christ as her savior, is at peace in her eternal heavenly home.

A viewing from 3-5 pm and celebration of life from 5-7 pm will be held at Lima Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary on September 8th. On September 9th, all are welcome to attend mass at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Newark at 10:30 am followed by a family burial at Cedar Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Viola Blythe Community Services Center in Newark. Donation link https://www.violablythe.org/donate.