Maureen Ann (O'Neil) Walker

A lifelong Louisvillian, Maureen was born on June 12, 1937, to Roger Patrick O’Neil and Esther Whalen O’Neil. Raised as an only child in the Portland neighborhood, she walked each morning to Saint Cecilia Church to play the organ before school—an early testament to her quiet strength, deep spirituality, and boundless discipline. She graduated from Loretto High School and earned a music scholarship to Webster College. She later received a Bachelor of Science from Spalding University and a Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Louisville. She taught, inspired, guided, and healed thousands throughout her lifetime—but always with humility, fierce compassion, and unwavering commitment to her calling.

Maureen was not your average mom. She married in 1958, and in 1970—at a time when divorce in the Catholic Church was not common—she had the courage to forge a new path for herself and her daughters, who survive her and carry forward her legacy of strength and service.

A gifted teacher and natural leader, Maureen taught at Saint Martha School, and plus coached a State Championship cheerleading team. She also planned the liturgy and music for Mass. When liturgical changes threatened that work, she brought her students and music ministry to Saint William Church.

Professionally, Maureen built a remarkable career in both education and therapy. She began teaching mathematics at Thomas Jefferson High School and was later promoted to Ballard High School’s Advanced Program, where she helped develop the JCPS math curriculum. Her students went on to become Presidential Scholars (1983)—a reflection of her ability to bring out excellence in others. Simultaneously, she served on faculty at the University of Louisville, Indiana University Southeast and Webster University, Indiana.

Maureen’s life work reached its fullest expression when she became one of the first generation of therapists trained in Bowen Family Systems Theory—a groundbreaking approach to family therapy developed by her mentor and advisor, Dr. Murray Bowen. In 1983, she completed advanced clinical training at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at Georgetown University Family Center in Washington, D.C. She became a proud Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and a Kentucky Board Certified Marriage and Family Therapist, license number 0007.

Maureen retired from Jefferson County Public Schools and opened her own private practice, Walker Counseling Services—where she served the Louisville community for more than 40 years. Her office became a place of refuge, healing, and growth for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s deepest struggles. She was known for her wisdom, her ability to help others access their inner strength, and her steady belief that healing was always possible.

While Maureen received many awards and recognition throughout her life, her greatest joy and proudest role was that of mother. Her daughters Colleen and Shannon were not only the recipients of her love, but the witnesses to her daily example of grit, grace, and generosity. Together, they formed a family rooted in love, humor, honesty, and connection—the very values Maureen spent her life teaching to others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Esther Whalen O’Neil and Roger Patrick O’Neil. She is survived by her two daughters, Colleen E. Walker and Shannon Walker McDonald (Greg McDonald), both of Louisville, KY.

Funeral Arrangements

A visitation will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church

914 Old Harrods Creek Road, Louisville, KY 40223

Visitation on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m.,

followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Reception immediately thereafter.

The Mass will be livestreamed.

In Lieu of Flowers, if desired

Please consider a donation in Maureen’s memory to:

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family

https://www.thebowencenter.org/donate

"Her legacy lives on in the many lives she helped heal and strengthen, in the families she helped rebuild, and in the daughters who now carry forward her mission of service, wisdom, and love."