Former Ajijic resident Kay Schallau Walker passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines on the morning of July 16.
Born March 13, 1935 in Grinnell, Iowa, Walker was the daughter of Charles and Gail Schallau. She graduated from St. Luke’s Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her Registered Nurse degree. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from New England College and a Master of Science Degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Walker resided in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New York, Missouri, and Maryland prior to moving to Bedford, New Hampshire in 1970. She was the Director of Supportive Service at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester from 1975 to 1995, Chief Operating Officer from 1995 to 1998, and Executive Vice President 1998 to 2000.
During Walker’s tenure at the Center, she accepted in Los Angeles the coveted American Psychiatric Gold Award for the most innovative program for the severely mentally ill. This brought professionals from all over the world to visit this treatment modality.
Walker and her husband, Bill, retired to Ajijic following her retirement in 2000. She was active in many community events. Her husband preceded her in death in 2008. She moved to the Mayflower Residence in Grinnell, Iowa in March 2013.
Walker is survived by her daughter Carol Walker, grandson Charles Buehrer Walker, son-in-law Timothy Buehrer, and brother Con Schallau. Her parents and three siblings preceded her in death.
Memorial donations may be given in her name to Niños Incapacitados or the Spay and Neutering Center.