Born and raised in Coral Springs, Virginia, to the late William and Nina Burse, Catherine graduated from Rural Retreat High School in Virginia. Not long after her graduation, she moved to Sussex County, where she remained a lifelong resident.
A homemaker through and through, Catherine took great pride in her home and her family, finding purpose and joy in the everyday work of making sure everyone was cared for and well fed. Her steady devotion created a place where others felt welcomed, comforted, and truly at ease—an enduring gift that will be remembered with gratitude and love.
Catherine was married to Ronald W. Walker for 47 years before his passing in 2009, and their life together formed the heart of the family she so faithfully nurtured.
In the quieter moments, Catherine delighted in word searches and in the simple pleasures that made a day feel complete. She was a very talented and diverse baker, especially her famous apple pies, which will be fondly remembered by those lucky enough to have tasted them. Most of all, she loved spending time with her much-cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, offering them the kind of warmth and care that made every visit feel like coming home.
Catherine’s legacy is one of love expressed through constancy: caring hands, a warm presence,and a heart that made room for everyone. Though she will be deeply missed, the life she built and the tenderness she gave so freely will continue to lift and carry those who loved her.
Catherine is survived by her children: Patrick Walker and his wife Doreleen; Brenda Walker and her husband Richard Titsworth; Tammy Francois and her husband Jean Marie; Melissa Thatcher; Rodney Walker and his wife Michelle; and Michael Walker and his wife Maureen. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jennifer and her husband Rob, Cheryl and her husband Nnamdi, Roy and his wife Nicole, Noah, Brianna, Troy and his fiancé Desiree, Derek and his fiancé Christian, Luke, Drew, Kyle, Michael, Kelly, and Emily; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Donovin, Kylee, Emma, RJ, Damian and Payton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold Burse, Kenneth “Dale” Burse, and William “Rex” Burse, and by her sister, Patty O’Brien.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Frankford Plains United Methodist Church, 99 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822.
