Dianne Heather Walker class of 1969, age 73, of Perry, MI, passed away from heart failure on April 23rd, 2024. She was born in Watertown, NY, to Bruce and Lois Walker. She spent her childhood growing up in Montreal, Canada, and Galveston, Texas, until her family moved to the mid-Michigan area when she was 16.
Dianne’s courage, intelligence, and tenacity took her many places throughout her life. After receiving a BSW from Michigan State University, she moved throughout the country while she worked in the male-dominated field of computer programming, including working as a programmer for NASA. Though she lived in Seattle, Chicago, Maryland, and Texas, she re-established her roots back in Michigan. There, she raised her two children, Heather Walker and Nick Walker-Craig, and met her husband of 24 years, Jefferson Kennedy.
Dianne will be remembered for her generosity and commitment to justice. She frequently gave to causes she cared about, including Save the Children and the ASPCA, and several social justice issues. While tender and kind, Dianne was also fearless and assertive in fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
Dianne is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jefferson Kennedy, her mother and father, Lois and Bruce Walker, and brother, Brian Walker. She is survived by: her brother Donald (Sally) Walker, sister Susan Walker, sister-in-law Adele Walker; her two children, Heather Walker and Nick Walker-Craig; and her 10 nephews and nieces and 10 nephews and nieces, Andy Walker, Brian (Heidi) Walker, Cassie Walker, Clint (Jennifer) Walker, Glenn Tigner, Grant Tigner, Katie Walker, Kyle (Molly) Walker, Lance (Jennifer) Walker, Matthew Walker.
The family will greet friends from 12:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 3 at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home (East Lansing Chapel - 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing). Interment following at Rose Cemetery, Bath Township. Fond memories and online condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.greastlansing.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation to Save the Children, where Dianne donated regularly: https://bit.ly/4aPwIfN.
Thank you to Sky Tribell class of 1969 for notification.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east-lansing-mi/dianne-walker-11783284