BIGLER – The matriarch of a prominent Bigler family passed away Thursday.
Louise (Saupp) Walker died after spending many of her 94 years serving her community though her work with many Bigler area civic and youth activities.
According to the philanthropist’s obituary, she was very involved with the Bigler Playground, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Bigler YMCA and the Walker Family Foundation. The latter provided financial assistance for many area youth to attend college.
Her obituary stated: “Her focus was always on making the world a better and safer place for future generations.”
Walker and her husband, Ray S. Walker, often opened their gardens, Walker Gardens, in an effort to help charities to raise money.
Walker and her husband counted travel as one of their favorite activities, and Walker and her husband visited many countries throughout the years. In 1968, the couple rode the Trans Siberian Railroad over 8,000 miles across Russia.
Walker and her husband were active in political circles, having hosted President George Bush Sr. in their home in 1980. The Walkers also represented Pennsylvania in the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England met Winston Churchill.
This year, Walker and her husband celebrated 66 years of marriage, and they count two sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren in their family.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday.
