Alexis Walker

Alexis J. Walker, Ph.D., 60, of Corvallis died of lymphoma on July 8, 2012, at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Alexis was born May 11, 1952, in Natrona Heights, Pa., the daughter of Lois M. and Bernard A. Walker. Alexis graduated in the Class of 1970 of Saint Joseph High School in Natrona, Pa., followed by receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974 from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa. She got her Master of Science degree in 1975 from Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind., and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies in 1979 from Pennsylvania State University. From 1978 to 1986, Alexis was associate professor of Human Development and Women’s Studies and received full tenure at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. Alexis had a distinguished academic career as the JoAnne L. Petersen Chair in Gerontology and Family Studies, Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University from 1986 to the present. She recently was co-director of the School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences at Oregon State. Throughout her career, Alexis received numerous awards and honors. These included the Berardo Mentoring Award from the National Council on Family Relations just prior to her death; the Carl L. Anderson Outstanding Faculty Award at Oregon State; Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America; and the Alumni Recognition Award in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State University. She served her profession, her university and her community. She was editor of the Journal of Marriage and Family for six years, served on numerous other editorial boards, was president of the National Council on Family Relations, and was on numerous committees of that organization. She was a tireless advocate for students and served on the committees of more than 80 students over the course of her career. Alexis had lived in Oregon since 1986 and had a passion for Oregon. She was an eloquent spokesperson for what a wonderful place it is to live. She enjoyed bird watching; she loved reading; she loved great food; and she loved to cook. She especially enjoyed baking bread. Alexis loved her cat, Holly. She had special gifts of leadership, mentoring, and, most important, thoughtfulness toward others. In addition to her mother, Alexis is survived by Cynthia Noble, partner of 29 years; brothers Robert K. (Catherine) of Johns Creek, Ga., William (Diane) of Irwin, Pa., and Patrick of Milan, Italy; sister, Carla (Marshall) Krieman of Malvern, Pa.; and brother-in-law, William Kazaros of Tucson, Ariz. She has several nieces and nephews: Alexa and Sonya Kazaros, Ashley Walker Kepper (James), Jared Walker (Sarah Burnett), Nicholas and Bradley Walker, and Audrey and Julia Krieman. Alexis has one great-nephew, Alexander Robert Walker; and one great-niece, Monica Ann Kepper. In addition to her late father, Alexis was preceded in death by her sister Kathryn Walker Kazaros. Alexis was a generous supporter of the community library, and the family requests any consideration for her be made either to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A celebration of her life is planned for 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at a private home. Please contact Cindy at canoble12@yahoo.com for directions to the location.

Tributes

Alexis Walker

May 11, 1952 - July 8, 2012