Jane Alton Walker

From the time she was born on May 11, 1915 to Charles and Ruth Alton Jr., of Hartford, it was so easy to love Jane.

Her cheerful way brightened every room as her kind words warmed them. But it was that child-like twinkle in her eye that always kept her friends and family smiling – even into her late 90’s.

Jane married Arlyn R. Walker in 1943 in Hartford, a marriage that lasted 23 years, until his death in 1966. She worked for over 30 years as a bookkeeper for Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., but it was her love of nature and a good adventure that made her truly happy.

In earlier years, she was part of the Bloomfield Garden Club. Her passion for gardening kept the flowerbeds around her home blooming season after season for decades. Her love of bird watching kept dozens of birds fluttering by her windows every day. Never let it be said that there was a bird within miles of her home that went hungry – or a squirrel, as her furry friends often grabbed more than their share.

In retirement, Jane took a road trip each year to winter in Florida with her good friend and college roommate. She traveled throughout the United States - including Alaska and Hawaii - and then went to Canada, Spain, England, and the Galapagos Islands. As an 80th birthday present to herself, she flew to France on the Concorde and toured the French countryside in a hot air balloon.

Through all of her adventures far and wide, Jane always returned home to her family’s estate in Old Lyme. Her cousins and she enjoyed the sun and the sand to the fullest. Jane was the youngest of the “Community Cousins,” and fittingly, the last to say goodbye to their paradise on the Sound.

Jane is survived by her two sons John Walker and his wife, Cheryl, of Old Lyme, and Peter Walker and his wife Terrie, of Winsted; six grandsons: Tyler Walker and his wife, Dr. Karen Wovkulich of Highland, NY, Adam Walker of Burlington, Cory Walker of Winsted, Jared Walker of Pflugerville, TX, Scott Neville and his wife Caitlin, of Danbury, and Dr. Brian Neville of Washington DC; one great-granddaughter, Anya Walker of Highland NY; and dear friends, including Margaret Appiah who helped Jane live her final years much like the rest of her life – on her own terms.

In her long, happy life, Jane outlived many of her beloved friends and family members, including Marshall T. Greene, a lifelong family friend she loved like a third son.

Jane’s family will host a small, private gathering to celebrate her life at a later date.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos and more information. Donations may be made in her memory to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, 282 Washington, St., Hartford, CT.