Dorothy passed away at age 100 on Aug. 21, 2024. She was born Oct. 21, 1923, to Lloyd and Gertrude Engle. She grew up on Hannibal’s Southside with her brothers Lloyd (Lillian), Gene (Margaret), Catherine Clay (Howard), and Lois Meyer (Elmo). She was the wife of Maj. Paul D. Walker, Jr. (USMC) (1924-1961); and William W. Albrecht (1919-1991).
Above all, she was the loving and beloved mother of Terrence Paul, Lee Walker Falk and Douglas Dewey; and the treasured grandma of Elizabeth Greene; Max, Caleb and Joseph Walker; and Cameron and Caitlin Walker. She was the joy-filled great-grandmother of Sylvia Engle Greene, whose birth extended Dorothy’s bedrock influence to three generations.
She treasured her son-in-law Greg Falk, her daughter-in-law Dori Walker and her grandson-in-law Mitchell Greene; she welcomed new granddaughter-in-law Anna Walker. Her extended family and friends will always remember her Christian faith, her strength and her sense of adventure.
Dorothy’s life spanned the Great Depression, World War II, the Baby Boom, the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, the Women’s Movement of the 70s and the Technology Age. She had a keen interest in it all and was a champion of embracing change, instilling this attitude in her children and grandchildren.
She was a storyteller and a practical philosopher: You gotta put one foot in front of another. Nothing is written in stone. You do damn well if you please yourself. Stay flexible and keep your sense of humor. She was known for these sayings and so many more. She started each morning proclaiming, “It’s a beautiful day!” regardless of the weather.
Dorothy lived across the United States as a military wife and traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. She loved cooking for her family, being with her sisters, camping, gardening, knitting, Bourbon and the Cardinals. Most of all, she loved her family gathered in her country house in Fredericktown, MO.
In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes, services will be private. If you wish to make a memorial donation, we suggest the National Forest Service (plantatree.fs.usda.gov; you can specify Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest) or the international travel organization, Friendship Force (donatebox.org/friendship-force-international).
Our hearts are saddened by Aunt Dorothy’s passing.
We hold each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Dorothy hold a special place in our hearts.
Her smile and her interest in everyone when you visited with her.
The joy she brought my mother in their many visits together.
Oh, the laughter and fun I witnessed over the years when they were together.
The Love and joy she spread will be carried on in our hearts.
Wishing you Peace and Comfort.
Dorothy, our dear kind friend–you will be missed beyond measure. I will forever treasure those precious memories from our country visits, hikes and get togethers!!! You added so much joy to our lives. Until we meet again, love you. Julie Miller
Aunt Dorothy was one of a kind so looked forward to her many visits and going to see her and her family in Fredericktown. She definitely will be missed Prayers to her family.