Catherine Walker

Catherine (Cathy) Ann Gillespie Walker passed away in the late hours of July 20, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born in Long Beach to Evelyn and Lawrence Gillespie on May 19, 1950.

Cathy grew up in Long Beach with her older brother Ron and younger sister Linda. She attended and graduated from both Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science.

At Long Beach State, she met her husband, Laurence Elton Walker. The two were married on October 6, 1972, and had three children: Laurence Jr., Daniel, and Melissa. They raised their children in Long Beach. Cathy was actively involved in her children’s lives. She volunteered in the schools, joined the PTA, helped with sports, and was present at all events.

As her children became older, Cathy worked in Los Alamitos Unified School District as a teacher’s aide and an interventionist with at-risk high school students. She loved working in the schools and helping students grow in their learning. Later, Cathy worked for the City of Long Beach in various capacities. Cathy worked for Mayor Beverly O’Neill and within the Long Beach Police Department.

Cathy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and supporting them at their various events and fundraisers. She would have treats or popsicles ready for her grandchildren and of course, she would make sure there were toys for them to play with. Lemonade, sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and watching movies were wonderful treats!

Larry and Cathy purchased an RV when Larry retired and enjoyed using it. Cathy enjoyed camping trips with her husband Larry and the retired police officer group Cop Outs. She would always make sure the RV was packed and ready for their trips. She also enjoyed camping trips with her daughter and grandchildren to San Diego and Newport Dunes.

When Cathy’s daughter began teaching, Cathy would be found in the classroom, once again working with children. She would help design door decorations for the various seasons, listen to students read, work with small groups on various tasks, and help organize things. She would help just about every day until she felt she was no longer able to help because she thought that her memory was going.

Cathy spent the end of her years in a home. Alzheimer's had taken its toll on her and she began to fade. Her husband spent nearly every day by her side, talking to her, ensuring she ate, and just being with her. The grandchildren hold tight to their precious memories of their grandma helping them after school, watching movies with popcorn, vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, delicious sandwiches, mac and cheese, treats,
having their grandma at their games and events, Christmas time, baking cookies, and just spending time with their grandparents.

Catherine was preceded in death by her father Lawrence Gillespie and sister Linda Gillespie. She is survived by her husband, Laurence Walker; her mother, Evelyn Gillespie; her brother, Ron Gillespie; her sons, Laurence Walker Jr. and Daniel Walker; her daughter, Melissa Vega (Walker); son-in-law, Ruben Vega; daughters-in-law, Heather Walker and Ivette Walker; granddaughters, Joette Vega, Hannah Walker, Kendyl Walker, Kelsey Walker, and Kiley Walker; grandsons, Kaleb Vega, Lucas Vega, and Mason Vega; and step-granddaughters, April Hernandez and Ashley Hernandez.

Catherine touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed.

“And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand”
~On Eagle’s Wings (Michael Joncas)

A celebration of life is scheduled for 10:30 am on August 7, 2024, at St. Cornelius Church, 5500 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach.

The family is requested in lieu of flowers donations be made in Catherine's name to

Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401