Anne Nancy Goodfellow Walker

Anne Nancy Goodfellow Walker, 84, passed away Friday, August 25, following a courageous struggle with Alzheimer?s disease. Nancy was born in 1921 in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, to Anne and Forrest Goodfellow. She was a lifelong resident of the Seattle area and was deeply committed to the Northwest and its people. Nancy grew up in the University District and attended University Heights Elementary School and Roosevelt High School.

A member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1942 from the University of Washington in Nutritional Science. Following graduation, she taught home economics in Buckley, Washington for two years before moving to Maui, Hawaii in 1944 to teach high school. It was there that she met Kirby D. Walker, a decorated Captain of the 4th Division United States Marine Corps. They were married in1946 and returned later that year to Seattle which became their residence together for nearly sixty years.

Nancy?s commitment to social justice, education, and the promotion of human understanding were exemplified by her remarkable adherence to her core principles. She lived with courage and conviction and was committed to improving the lives of those around her. Her family remembers her as a person who never uttered a harsh word about anyone and instead found the positive attributes of even those with whom she disagreed. Yet she stood strong in her convictions and supported those convictions with knowledge, passion, and a wonderful wit. She voted Republican once and never forgave herself!

In recognition of her commitment to the eradication of injustice, in 1963 Nancy was appointed by the mayor of Seattle as a charter member of the Seattle Human Rights Commission to address fair housing and equality for all members of the Seattle community. She served tirelessly on numerous boards including the YWCA of Greater Seattle, United Way, the Church Council of Greater Seattle and the National Board of the United Church of Christ.

Nancy?s love of the University of Washington was seen in her being a founding member of the University of Washington School of Social Work Advisory Committee, a member of the President?s Club and as a 40+ year football season ticket holder.

The University Congregational United Church of Christ was a central focus of Nancy?s life. During her 75 year membership, she served as a devoted and universally respected leader in every area of church life. She was Moderator of the Church Council, and served on two pastoral search committees.

Nancy took her outward looking community passion and turned it inward in raising her family. Her ?Home Ec? training came in handy as she hosted many large parties over the years. Her family?s friends found Nancy?s home to be a refuge of hot food, great debate, and love. The late 1960?s and 70?s were highlighted by her hosting of dozens of members of the University of Washington crew each year.

Nancy?s gardens were well known at her Seattle residence as well as at her Whidbey Island vacation home. She taught her family the love of camping, swimming, and the outdoors before Gortex that she learned from her father. She introduced her family to the beauty of the North Cascades? Ross Lake that she had also discovered with her father. She outdid her family by swimming for hours in Puget Sound and enjoying it!

Nancy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Kirby D. Walker; three children: Clara Walker Beier David ? deceased, Bill Walker Cathy, and Dee Walker Sally; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave NE., on Saturday, September 9th, at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the University of Washington School of Social Work, YWCA, the Alzheimer?s Association, or to organizations supporting stem cell research.

?Remember who you are and what you stand for.?