Christine M. Walker

1951 - 2025

OBITUARY

Christine Walker passed away on April 29th at the age of 73 after a long battle with dementia. Her love of family and her love of music and dancing continued on even as other parts of her started to fade.  

Christine was born on July 20, 1951 in Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. She was raised by her parents Gordon and Antoinette Maetke, along with her brothers Michael, John, and her twin Joseph. She would often talk about happy memories of long walks through the city streets with her dad and brothers and visits as a kid to the Bronx Zoo.

She met the love of her life, John Walker, Jr and they were married December 4, 1971. Together, they made their home in Edgewater Park in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx, where they raised their 3 children, John III (Jessica), Joseph (Jennifer) and Lisa (George). Chris was a loving, supportive and devoted mom. When the kids were young, Chris worked odd jobs and volunteered at their schools. She had a hands-on role in remodeling the family home, working on electrical wiring, taping, spackling and painting, always wanting to learn to handle new tasks herself. She would unwind by playing her guitar and singing or by dancing in the kitchen while cooking dinner for the family. Music was always present. Chris was a talented songwriter. She made studio recordings and copyrighted a few of her favorite original songs. 

As the kids got a little older, she made the decision to go back to school and finish her own education. Christine started working for the New York City Department of Education as a paraprofessional and taking classes at night. While maintaining full time employment and caring for her family, Chris went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree from Lehman College and later a Master's Degree and credits above from Mercy College. Christine put her heart and soul into her job as a special education teacher, working many long hours to give her students the best possible outcomes. Chris loved her family, her students, her friends and neighbors, and people in general. She was thrilled to become a grandmother and to have a new generation to sing songs to and snuggle up with (John IV, Isabella, Zachary, Avery, Adam, Ainsley, and great grandchildren Sienna and Julianna). 

Christine had the kindest heart and an altruistic nature. She gave freely with no expectations or desire for anything in return. She enjoyed comfort over extravagance and wanted those around her to feel comfortable too. You would always be greeted at her door with a big hug and told that it was ok to put your feet up on the furniture. For Chris, the finer things in life were time with family, enjoying music, doing a crossword puzzle, rewatching the movie Overboard or Sister Act, wandering around shopping at Costco or Kohls, and having a cup of Red Rose decaffeinated tea with the tiniest drop of milk. 

While she will be missed terribly, those who know and love Christine are happy that she can finally be comfortable again. 

VISITATION

Sunday, May 4 2:00 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM

New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY

FUNERAL MASS

Monday, May 5 10:00 AM St. Francis de Chantal R.C. Church 190 Hollywood Avenue, Bronx, NY

INTERMENT

St. Raymond's Cemetery

2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, NY