Jeanne Walker

June 7, 1926 — Nov. 2, 2011

Jeanne Walker, age 85 (pictured at age 84), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, in Placerville, Calif., at her home surrounded by family, after a brief battle with liver cancer. She was born the third of seven children to Minta and Lloyd Lewin on a farm in Oakley, Kans., on June 7, 1926. She grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., where she met her childhood sweetheart, Desmond “Dick” Walker. She married at 18 (remaining blissfully married for 57 years) and they relocated to El Dorado County, where she lived until she passed.

A painter, writer, poet, creative designer and seamstress, who was known to win awards at art shows, Jeanne was a classic beauty who brought questions of “are you a model?” in the early days when she and Dick lived in the Hollywood area. She is best remembered for being employed by the Quality Shop and Montgomery Wards on Placerville’s Main Street. She prided herself on her meticulous homes with park-like gardens and her “Homemaker” title. Although she had no children of her own, she loved and influenced her many nieces and nephews. She was kind and generous with a great sense of humor.

Jeanne is survived by her siblings, Lenna Spencer of Cedar Grove, Mabel Schrenk of Placerville, Jerry (Mary) Lewin of Shingle Springs and David (Debbie) Lewin of Placerville ;and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her great love, Dick Walker; parents, Minta and Lloyd Lewin; brothers, Zane Lewin and Danny Lewin; and life-long brothers-in-law, Cubby Spencer and Les Schrenk.

Graveside services, officiated by Rev. John Parker (Snowline Hospice), will be held Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at 1 p.m., at Westwood Hills Memorial Park on Cold Springs Road in Placerville. A reception and celebration will follow. For more information call Dave Lewin at 530-621-0364.

Jeanne’s family would like to thank Snowline Hospice for all their support in our time of need. In lieu of flowers remembrances or donations can be made to Snowline Hospice, 6520 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs CA 95619, or by calling 530-621-7820. Jeanne was fond of quoting Bette Davis, saying, “Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies,” but she achieved it with grace and dignity.