Patricia “Patty” O’Malley Walker, 79, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2022.
Patty was born March 29, 1943, to Marjorie Scott Dollens and Michael OḾalley. She attended the University of California, Berkeley where she received a bachelor´s degree in English. She later received a master´s degree in English from Miami University of Ohio, and a Master of Library Science from the Ohio State University.
While at Berkeley, Patty met the love of her life, James (Jim) Walker. She famously proposed to him at the end of their first date, and after requesting time to think it over, he accepted on their second date. They were married on Oct. 30, 1965, and had over 53 happy years together..
Patty had a long and distinguished career as a university librarian at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She retired in 2006 and began an active retirement of travel and volunteer service. She particularly enjoyed her volunteer work for Reading Seeds, helping second graders learn to read.
Throughout her life, Patty was passionate about travel. With her family, her husband, or with friends, she visited over 26 countries across five continents. She had many adventures, from hang gliding above Rio de Jianero, to sea kayaking in New Zealand, to cruising on a sailing yacht around the Greek Islands.
Other passions included her beloved dogs, gardening (she created beautiful gardens wherever she lived), reading, politics (she was particularly proud of her work on Barack Obama´s 2008 campaign), and attending concerts and live theater performances.
Patty made friends wherever she went and maintained many lifelong friendships. She loved her friends. She adored her siblings, children and grandchildren.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband. Patty is survived by her children, Kathy Walker of Tucson, Ariz., and Chris (May) Walker of Denver, Colo., her grandsons, Lou Bodenhemier, Sam Bodenhemier, and Daniel Walker, seven siblings and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a small ceremony at a later date for immediate family members. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Planned Parenthood , The Humane Society or any of the other myriad organizations that Patty supported.
