Claire M. Walter

On Sunday, May 19, 2019, Claire “Mom-mom” Walter died at the age of 90 at Gilchrist Hospice Center in Columbia, Maryland.

Born Claire Marie Storck in Baltimore on March 30, 1929, she attended Seton High School. On October 7, 1950, she married Joseph Philip Walter. They raised three children together -- daughters Kathryn and Jane, and son Joseph -- in Baltimore.

Claire was a devoted and loving parent and spouse, a close friend and neighbor to many, and an avid volunteer. Deeply motivated by her faith to improve the lives of others, over the years she volunteered at hospitals, soup kitchens, community-based nonprofits, and more; provided Eucharistic ministry to those who could not attend Mass; spoke out for the causes of social justice and positive change; and for years organized the Friendly Visitors program at Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, Maryland, in order to make sure that all new residents felt welcome and acclimated.

Some of her greatest loves included politics and spirituality. She enjoyed reading, writing, poetry, and philosophical chats with her friends, loved ones, and friendly passersby. She could often be found saying that through her care for animals and the plants she meticulously cared for in her garden, she became closer to God. She will be remembered for her compassion, zeal, independence, warmth, and sense of humor. She will also be remembered for the close-knit and loving family she and her husband created.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and survived by her brother, William Storck, her three children and their spouses -- Kathy and Jim Hobart, Janie and Ron Baldi, and Jody and Gretchen Walter --  as well as six grandchildren: Sarah Hobart, Addie Hobart (m. Michael Case), Jenna Casper (m. Anthony Casper), Claire Baldi, Berrett Walter, and Heidi Walter, along with dear friends from all walks of life, including Baltimore, Bethany Beach, and Charlestown.

There will be a memorial Mass in her memory on June 15 at Our Lady of the Angels Parish at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive visitors before Mass at 9:30 and a luncheon will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, those who would like to honor her may consider donating to Gilchrist Hospice Care.