Remembering Raphaelita Walker
Raphaelita Walker (nee McLean) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 14, 2017 at her home in Toronto, Canada, two months after celebrating her 90th birthday.
Beloved wife of Gifford Walker and loving mother to Olivia Grange-Walker and Denzil Walker, and many adopted children. She was also a grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother aunt and grand-aunt to many.
Affectionately called Aunt Raph, she was a founding member of P.A.C.E. Canada, and sponsored 2 schools since 1991:
* High Holborn Street Basic School, Kingston
* Charles Chin-loy Early Childhood Institute, Kingston
She has been a Board Member since 1994 and a Life Member, and was awarded the P.A.C.E. Canada Founder’s Trophy in 2007.
She was also a foundation member of the Jamaican Canadian Association, which delivers programs and services, provides a physical hub, and advocates to improve the well‐being and equity of Jamaican, Caribbean & African‐Canadian communities within the Greater Toronto Area. Aunt Raph remained active in both PACE and JCA until her passing.
Mrs. Walker has been a recipient of several awards including the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s medal of appreciation for excellence and the 2013 African Canadian Achievement Awards of Excellence (ACAA).
Various events are planned to celebrate her life:
March 2 – JCA Community Tribute @ 6:00pm
Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road, Toronto ON (Hwy 400/Finch)
March 3 – Visitation/Viewing @ 2:30pm – 5pm & 7pm – 9pm
Immanuel Baptist Church, 1100 Finch Avenue E, (at Don Mills) Toronto
March 4 – Viewing @ 10 am & Funeral Services @ 11am
RevivalTime Tabernacle – 4340 Dufferin Street, Toronto ON (south of Finch Avenue)
Interment at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, North York
Reception follows at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road, Toronto
No floral tributes. Donations in aid of the Raphaelita Walker Care Foundation.
