Susan Malia Walker, 68, passed away on Thursday (September 10, 2026) at home following a lengthy illness.
Susan was born on February 16, 1958 in Johnson City to Richard A. and Dorothy (Delany) Thomson. She was a 1976 graduate of Richfield Springs Central School. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Marketing and Public Relations from Syracuse University and went on to receive her Masters of Science in Mathematics Education from Alfred University in 1986. She met her future husband, Stephen A. Walker, while a student at Syracuse University and they were married on July 10, 1981 at the Andover Presbyterian Church.
Sue helped her husband with his jewelry business from the start. In 1997 she became the full-time business manager for Walker Metalsmiths in Andover. During the early 1990’s she was a mathematics instructor for Alfred State College.
In addition to her husband of 45 years, Susan is survived by six children, Andrew (Justinn) Walker of Brattleboro, VT, Jeanne (AJ) Todd of Andover, Maggie (Eric) Miller of Corning, Donald (Mercy) Walker of Lansing, Will (Bryn) Walker of Medford, MA and Stephen (Abby) Walker of Corning; five siblings, Donna Satterlee, Kevin Thomson, Pam Mikels, Jonathan Thomson and Christopher Thomson; 12 grandchildren, Sylvia Walker, AJ Walker, Mason Walker, Philex Walker, David Walker, Betty Todd, Daisy Todd, Malia Todd, Madeleine Miller, Declan Miller, Maxwell Miller and Arlo Walker; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Barbara Irene Walker and four siblings, Richard Thomson, James Thomson, Joan Tucker and Holly Neuffer.
With six children and 12 grandchildren, her number one activity was spending time with her family. In the early years, they went camping in the Adirondacks at Eighth Lake, and later, as the family grew, spent many days at Keuka Lake. Around home, much of her time was devoted to impromptu baking and craft projects, spectating at all the sporting and music events at school, and keeping a generous supply of lollipops and candy to spoil any grandchildren that needed spoiling.
Sue enjoyed working alongside her husband in the family business and having their daily lunches together. They enjoyed many trips to Ireland and Scotland while Steve researched Celtic Art and she took in the sights. At home, Sue enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, especially at the holidays.
Sue was both intelligent and astute, generous but frugal, and strong-willed with a deep strength of character. She was very community-minded, having served on the Andover Central School Board for 21 years, most of which was as board president. She was also a long-time member of the Andover Presbyterian Church, serving as both an elder and as treasurer.
There will be a time of visitation on Sunday (September 13) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at 25 E. Greenwood Street in Andover. The memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Andover Presbyterian Church with Rev. Christian Mattison officiating. Her ashes will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Andover beside her daughter.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Sue’s name may be made to Allegany County Cancer Services, P. O. Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Andover Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc., P. O. Box 726, Andover, NY 14806. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
