Raphaelita Walker, the mother of the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, has died at the age of 90.
Mrs. Walker died peacefully at her home in Toronto, Canada, on February 14 surrounded by family and friends, including Minister Grange and her husband of over 50 years, Gifford Walker.
Considered a stalwart in the Jamaican community in Toronto, Mrs. Walker was an integral member of several organizations including the 55-year-old Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), the largest and oldest community Jamaican organization in Canada; PACE (Canada), [Project for the Advancement
of Childhood Education], which adopts basic schools in Jamaica; and the Jamaica Independence Church Service committee, which plans the annual event to commemorate Jamaica’s independence.
Mrs. Walker has adopted two basic schools in Jamaica – Charles Chin Loy and High Holborn. For nearly 30 years, she and husband, Gifford Walker, have played Santa and Mrs. Claus at JCA’s annual Children’s Christmas Party.
Describing her mother as the backbone of the family Minister Grange says her life epitomized the true meaning of the words “Love and Helpful.”
Senator the Honorable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade under whose portfolio Diaspora Affairs falls, underscored the tremendous contributions which Raphaelita has made to Diaspora development spanning several decades. “Her passion, drive and generosity of spirit has left an imprint in the hearts of a grateful nation” she stated.
Her Excellency Janice Miller, High Commissioner of Jamaica expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a community icon who she says exemplified all that is good and positive about Jamaica in Canada.
Jamaica’s Consul General at Toronto Mr. Lloyd Wilks noted that Mrs. Walker was a community mother and stalwart whose high standards and compassionate disposition permeated all the organizations that she was involved with and all the individuals with whom she came into contact.
Mrs. Walker, who has called Toronto home since 1963, has been the recipient of many awards including the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for service to Jamaica, the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, the JCA Certificate
of Appreciation, Excellence in Community Service Award, and the Committee on Community, Race & Ethnic Award.
Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
