Obituary of Elizabeth Walker

no Visitation Elizabeth Walker died Monday, October 29th in her Olympia home after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was born the 25th of June, 1951 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Norman Kenneth Eads and Rema Lee Harvey. Her family worked in the oil and gas industry throughout Oklahoma before settling long term in Liberal, Kansas, where Elizabeth graduated from high school. Shortly thereafter, she left the Heartland for Boulder, Colorado and trained to become a respiratory therapist. While working in the hospital, she crossed paths with Steven Walker, who was in his medical residency. They were soon married and, after Steve finished his training, the couple moved to Gearhart, Oregon where their first child Julian was born. A second child, Alexis, followed 3 years later after a move back to Colorado. In 1987, Elizabeth’s love for the Pacific Northwest prompted the family to settle in Olympia, Washington, where she remained until her death.Elizabeth was extremely devoted to her children and her main focus in life was raising them. After her rambunctious kids started elementary school, she found the time to earn a degree at The Evergreen State College, where she focused on the study of fiber art. Elizabeth produced art in fiber and other mediums both before and after her studies at Evergreen and was considered quite talented by many, including her advisor, Prof. Gail Trembley. Her other passion was reading, which she passed on to her children. It’s no surprise, considering that they grew up surrounded by piles of books and any trips out of town always included visiting the local bookstore. Everyone who came into contact with Elizabeth will remember her generosity and kindness. It was amazing how many people would recognize her around town, having been touched by her thoughtfulness and formed an immediate friendship. After meeting her only once, she might surprise you with a perfectly suited gift related to an interest that you only mentioned briefly. Her compassion extended to all creatures; most recently, she had adopted three abandoned pugs. Her pugs and everyone who knew Elizabeth will miss her and her boundless heart immensely. A service and reception will be held Sat. Nov. 3rd at 2PM at the Olympia Ballroom to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center of Johns Hopkins University at http://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas/Support.php#flowers. Please leave your online condolences for the family by clicking on the guestbook link below.