Mrs Anne Walker

MRS Anne Walker (née Wallace), formerly of Belfast and latterly Saintfield, died peacefully at her home on May 18.

Anne was a loving wife to Bryan, sister to Kathryn, devoted mother to Allister and Adrian, mother-in-law to Anna and a devoted granny to Evan and Harry.

Anne was brought up in Kirkliston Park, Belfast, and educated at Strathearn School.

In 1971 she married Bryan who live just around the corner in Cyprus Gardens.

On leaving school, Anne worked for a period in the Ministry of Agriculture and after her marriage joined the Volunteer Stroke Scheme with the NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association.

From 1983 until 1989 she worked in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Queen’s University, Belfast, in the Belfast Monica Project, collecting data on cardiac disease for research purposes.

In 1989 Anne became area co-ordinator for Crossroads Care in Downpatrick where she remained for four years. During this time she made many friends and supported numerous families through difficult times.

In 1994 she became the first female National Director Northern Ireland for the British Diabetic Association. She visited and advised local branches all over the province to raise awareness and improve care for people and families affected by diabetes. She remained with Diabetes UK until 1999 when she retired for health reasons.

Anne took an active role in the Saintfield community. She was very much involved, and indeed was the instigator, of Saintfield’s contribution to the Ulster in Bloom project, winning the Small Town category in 1989 and going to win Britain in Bloom in the same category.

Anne continued to have great interest in the development of Saintfield and gave of her time to the Green Committee of Saintfield Development Association as her health allowed.

In all the different paths that Anne took in her life she made lasting friendships, which she valued dearly.

Known for her quick wit and compassionate spirit there was nothing Anne liked better than to have a stimulating conversation with family and friends. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.

Anne will be sadly missed by her loving family and her wide circle of friends.