In Memory of Susan Barden Walker ’71

Susan Barden Walker, 72, of Chicago, IL, died peacefully on July 16, 2021 at Silverado North Shore Memory Care Community, Glendale, WI, from a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born on May 25, 1949 in Kenosha, WI. Susan is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Barden Walker, her father, G. Thomas Walker, Jr, her step-mother, Mary Eileen (Honey) Richards Walker, her brother-in-law, William G. Blighton, as well as, her maternal grandparents, Dick & Gladys Barden and paternal grandparents, George & Elaine Walker.

She is survived by her siblings: Margaret E. Walker Blighton, Wauwatosa, WI, George T. Walker III (Claire), San Diego, CA, Sarah L. Walker Pederson (David), Ft. Meyers, FL, William R. Walker, (Barb), Wauwatosa, WI, Robert D. Walker, (Penny), Kenosha, WI.; as well as 12 nieces and nephews, and 14 great-nieces and nephews, and a large and loving family of dear cousins.

Susan graduated from Kemper Hall, Kenosha, WI and Ripon College, Ripon, WI with a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts. Susan worked 30 years at William Blair Company, Chicago, IL, as the Senior Relationship Manager for The Mabie Wealth Management Group, Geneva Investments for 8 years, and held a FINRA Series 7 License.

Susan was an avid animal lover, as well as the resident family photographer. She was a docent (teaching volunteer) at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago for over 25 years. She adored and photographed the big cats as well as her little ones, and took many family photos, as well as, photos of her favorite animals and every one of them was well loved!

And, when out on a shopping errand, she stopped to speak and pet every dog on Michigan Avenue!

Susan was also wonderfully creative and very talented in cross stitch and knitting, and who loved knitting all the new family babies and toddlers’ wonderful sweaters, hats, blankets and mittens. As they grew older, she was the master of their elaborate Halloween costumes and fabulous Christmas Decorations. Susan was a kind and fun-loving Aunt & Great Aunt with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor … always “game” for a fun adventure.

But her favorite pastime, above all others, was walking the stunning white-sand beaches of Sanibel Island, and searching for the most perfect shells that had rolled up on the beach during low tide. . . just before the sun met the horizon in all its glorious splendor.

Throughout Susan’s life, her strong belief was that, “The Love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”, a quote from Charles Darwin.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Susan’s life will be held at St Mary’s Chapel, Kemper Center, 6501 Third Avenue, Kenosha, WI on July 29th at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held at Ambrose Hall, Kemper Center, 1 hour prior to the service on July 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Susan will be buried in a private service at Green Ridge Cemetery, Kenosha, WI.

Those who wish to remember Susan in a special way, may make gifts in her memory to the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, or The Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org

Susan’s family would like to thank all of the staff at Silverado’s North Shore, Oak Village and Naperville Memory Care Communities for years of love and kind and patient care, and also, Susan’s hospice team from Brighton Hospice for their loving and compassionate care and kindness to Susan and her family.