Obituary of Barbara Jean Walcher

Barbara Jean Walcher, 86, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018.

She was born May 21, 1931, in San Mateo, CA, the first of two children to Kathryn and Norman Robertson. She was raised in Burlingame, CA and graduated from Burlingame High School in 1948. Barbara went on to earn an English degree from the University of Utah, and she taught elementary school in the San Francisco Bay Area for several years.

Barbara married her husband of 47 years, Monroe “Bill” Walcher. Their bond, partnership, support, and love for one another was immediately apparent to everyone who met them.

Barbara is survived by her loving, dedicated husband, Bill Walcher; daughters Tracey Packer (David Dawley); Adrienne Packer; Jennifer van Bourgondien (Philips) and sons John Packer (Shindi) and John Walcher (Dawn).

All who knew her knew her irreplaceable love for her nine grandchildren Jack and Kate Packer-Dawley, Drew Wynans, Luke and Hannah Walcher, Emma and Kai Packer, Lia van Bourgondien and Caleb Strano.

Barbara is also survived by nieces Jackie Lutes and Debra Keith.

She was preceded in death by her dear brother, James, her beloved father Norman, and her beloved mother Kathryn.

Together, Barbara and Bill, a nuclear manager for Westinghouse for 35 years, lived in Idaho Falls, ID, Pittsburgh, PA, Manila, Philippines and Richland, WA before settling in Aiken in 1989.

They both quickly adopted the Aiken community as their home. She excelled in painting classes at University of South Carolina, Aiken and her award-winning art was shown in Aiken and in shows and galleries in various parts of South Carolina.

She was accomplished not only as an artist but well known for her gourmet cooking and gardening. She designed and sewed clothes for herself and her family. She embraced Aiken and loved showing visiting friends and family all of the community’s historic sites.

Above all, Barbara will be remembered most for her unconditional love and dedication to Bill, her children, and grandchildren. We will all strive to be like Barbara, who somehow effortlessly made her home a home to all.

A service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at GEORGE Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, S.C. 29801. A reception will follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that those who wish to do so, please make a donation to Barbara’s favored charity, Golden Harvest Food Bank, goldenharvest.org.

Expressions of sympathy for the Walcher family may be left online at www.georgefuneralhomes.com