Maria Dolores Walker

Maria Dolores Valle Walker was born Thursday, January 26, 1939 in the city of Ahualulco de Mercado, Jalisco, Mexico to parents Josefina Parra and Jose Sixto Valle. One of six siblings, Maria grew up as one of the youngest in her family. The family moved from time to time so her father Sixto, known as Sixto of the Valley or Valle, could find work. At the early age of four, Maria began working alongside her family in the fields. This was just the beginning of her life-long legacy of working hard, serving others, and putting her family first.

Her family soon settled down in Mexicali. There, Maria met an American family that also spoke Spanish, the Caldwells. At the age of 15, Maria began nannying for the Caldwell family. Through working, Maria had the opportunity to travel with the family on vacation, bringing her to San Diego, California. In 1963, it was there that she met a blue eyed navy man that caught her attention. Lawrence Alvin Walker learned Spanish just to talk to Maria. The two went on to marry in Mexicali, Baja California on June 29, 1963. They began their new life together in the city of Los Angeles. In 1964, Maria earned the new title of Mom, when her eldest son, Bill, was born. Bill was followed by the birth of Maria, Irene, Carol, Lawrence, and Harold. Maria would go on to be one the hardest working single mothers of 6 children, that she supported, loved, raised, and cherished.

Maria began to work as a seamstress for high school and professional sports teams. In 1986, Maria was promoted to grandmother, or as her family knows her, Abuelita. Her grandson Andrew, would be the first of 17 grandchildren, to be surpassed by her 26 great-grandchildren who loved their Mama Ita.

Maria embraced her new life in America and went on to complete the process to becoming a citizen in 1996. Just like everything else she did, Maria worked hard and went on to retire in 2004 as the head seamstress for the company Gunther’s Athletic Service. After retiring Maria had more time to enjoy her favorite things like crocheting for family and friends, going for long walks, cooking and keeping her best recipes loved, but most importantly a secret.

Maria loved plants and had a gift for reviving just about anything with her green thumb. A floral gift would always make her gasp, smile, and bring her joy. You could make her day by simply sharing a meal at Norms and spending time with her. Above all else, Maria loved the Lord and shared God’s love wherever she went. She was never afraid to speak the truth in love and befriend whoever she would encounter on her walks. Even when faced with hard situations, she would tell people, “Jesus loves you.” She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, love, and hard-work will live on through her family and friends.

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