Julia Corrine (O'Brien) Walker

Julia Corrine O’Brien was born in Olympia, Washington at St. Peter’s Hospital on August 24, 1928. She was a graduate of Olympia High School and Seattle University, Phi Beta Kappa. Julia went on to become Board Certified as a Medical Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and worked for Memorial Clinic. She also was employed by the Olympia Blood Bank and later the State of Washington as a Medical Adjudicator for the Department of Social and Health Services Office of Disability Insurance until retirement in 1990.

Julia was active in Saint Michael’s Church and School for many years. She belonged to St. Benedict’s Guild and St. Michael’s Altar Society. Julia and fellow parishioner Theresa Zyski initiated the facilitation of small faith groups. Julia was an outspoken supporter of the Right to Life, addressing various public groups on the topic. She and her husband Francis were active in supporting the school and church when these were built at their current downtown location. She successfully managed and co-managed many rummage sales and other fundraisers that benefitted the school facilities. Julia engaged in these activities while also holding down her professional positions.

Julia was an active member of the APHETI. She made presentations at regional scientific conferences and public hearings on matters such as those addressing aquatic nuisances.

Always active, Julia enjoyed sewing, knitting, artistic painting, refinishing furniture, and the outdoors.

Julia was family oriented. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Francis (“Buzz”) Walker, their six children Vincent (Atsuko), Monica, Jill Nudell (Bruce), John, Michael (Kelly McPhail), and Thomas (Nicola), and sixteen grandchildren.