Sarah Munday Walker

Sarah Elaine Munday Walker, 87, of Alexandria, VA, died peacefully at home on September 4, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Keister (Bud) Walker, and her four sisters. She is survived by two daughters, Becky Belkoski (Joe) and Melissa Repetski (Mike) and six grandchildren: Sarah, David (Rachel) and Emily Belkoski; Mary Kate, Megan and Molly Repetski; and many loving nieces and nephews. Sarah was born October 3, 1933 to the late Burruss Munday and Edna May Smith Munday and grew up the middle of the five Munday girls. Born and raised in Alexandria, she attended Lee-Jackson Elementary School and Mount Vernon High School. At MVHS, she was editor of the school newspaper and was selected by the faculty to receive a college scholarship and give a graduation speech. She was voted Most Likely to Succeed and graduated in 1952. After completing her freshman year at American University, Sarah transferred to Madison College. She was active in Canterbury Club, YWCA, yearbook and childhood education clubs. In her senior year, she was elected President of the Student Government Association and named an Outstanding Senior. Sarah earned a BS in Education from Madison College in 1956. Sarah taught 4th-6th grades in Fairfax County Public Schools for 30 years. She was a greatly admired educator at Cameron, Springfield Estates, Wilton Woods, Riverside and Waynewood elementary schools. Teachers of all experience levels benefited from knowing and teaching with Sarah. Parents respected her advice on their children no matter the area of concern. Her former students recall special moments they had with her in the classroom, on field trips, the playground or in the community. After retiring in 1989, Sarah achieved her delayed dream of traveling across the US and internationally. She and Keister visited the Repetski family at every duty station around the world. Throughout her life, Sarah was involved in the work of the church. She was a longtime member of Aldersgate UMC, teaching Sunday School, participating with Cheer Team and Prayer Team, and serving as president of UMW. She was active for 60 years in the Order of the Eastern Star, twice serving as Worthy Matron of Jessica Callahan Chapter #91 as well as a Grand Officer and Representative. She was a Past Honored Queen of Bethel #22 of Job’s Daughters and stayed active as an adviser for many years. The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved flowers and visited gardens everywhere she traveled. She appreciated beautiful music, especially old hymns, and she was an avid reader and faithful watcher of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. One of her favorite treats was afternoon tea, especially the scones course served with clotted cream and jam. Sarah’s collection of owls started with a school bulletin board about fifty years ago and grew to include hundreds of owl items, from tiny jewelry to lamps, blankets and wallpaper. Sarah was kind and compassionate, caring deeply for others. Her church friends described her as a dear and gentle Christian. She was a loyal and trusted confidante to her friends and maintained those friendships with phone calls and cards, each year spending many hours writing individual notes in her beautiful penmanship on 200 Christmas cards. Sarah was warm and gracious and the consummate hostess. She made everyone feel welcome in her home, whether they were there for the afternoon or visiting for the week. Holiday gatherings at the Walker house were an especially coveted invitation because they always included beautiful decorations, delicious food, and wonderful company. Many friends considered Sarah to be the epitome of a classy southern lady. She was always well-dressed; her purse and shoes matched; her fingernails and toenails had matching polish. She was dignified and unfailingly polite and always had encouraging words. Her favorite saying was “Patience is a virtue for which we should all strive and practice in our daily lives.” Sarah’s family considered her the perfect role model – loving and generous with a dash of wit and sass. She was usually calm, poised and proper, but her grandchildren especially loved the fits of giggles that ensued when playing games and watching Mr. Bean videos. Sarah was deeply grateful to the number of friends and family members who provided so much love and support during the last months of her life. The amount of love that she received is the clearest testament to the life she lived. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Sarah’s name, donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886. Online: donate.lovetotherescue.org. Please view the the livestream here at the Facebook Celebration of Life https://app.restream.io/event-invitation/Tm1HcXFqa5qxzlIU3kH5qwnP4F7P0_4

Tributes

Sarah Munday Walker

October 3, 1933 - September 4, 2021