Ellen was born to George Joseph Walker and Alwilda Mae Walker on September 10, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was the middle of her eight siblings. She is preceded in death by her parents and also siblings Dorothy Barnard, Clarence “Bud” Gibson, William “Bill” Gibson, Kathryn “Kate” Mastricola, George Walker, Robert “Bob” Walker, and Ethel “Tinker” Santella. She is survived by her sister Mae DiDomenico.
Young Ellen spent her time in Philly playing with her siblings and the neighborhood kids, washing steps for money to rent bicycles, going to dances, and working at the ticket counter at the local cinema. When her father worked second shift at DuPont, she enjoyed running to the corner store to buy him ice cream as the store closed so he could come home to an ice cream dinner.
Ellie moved to Texas after meeting her future husband Garland A. Linscomb at a family barbecue. Moving from the big city, she came to Texas without knowing how to drive, but eventually adjusted to rural life with the support of her family and friends. She and Garland welcomed a son, Garland Walker Linscomb. Ellie made matching clothes for the family from feed sacks and cooked homemade pizza for movies at the drive-in. She tirelessly referred to Walker as “my son, my son who can do no wrong”, though she spoke less kindly of him after losing at Farkle or 500 Rummy.
Her motherly love and support was evident through her actions over the years, always remembering to send a card for holidays and birthdays or shopping for a unique gift from a craft fair or one of her “junk books.” To her family and friends, Aunt Ellie was devoutly loyal and always ready to listen and share her honest opinion. With her irreverent and feisty streak, Maw once painted a smiley face on the side of her shed in response to complaints from her family next door about the paint color.
Even far from home, Aunt El stayed close with her family in the Philly area, traveling back home by train or plane, temporarily moving back to care for her beloved elderly father, and spending hours on the phone retelling stories, sharing fond memories, and staying in touch.
As a grandmother, Maw loved shopping, crafting, playing games, and watching her “stories” with her granddaughters. She hosted the best New Year’s party for the kids, wearing her big girl shoes, serving festive food and drinks, and calling Aunt Kate in Philly to celebrate. Always up for a vacation, Maw loved trips to Galveston, shopping at Murdoch’s, riding a surrey, getting ice cream and candy from LaKing’s, and attending a musical. While out and about, Maw found creative ways to extend her fun, like stopping her watch or avoiding eye contact when it was time to leave. Living next door allowed for Maw to attempt to teach Jennifer and Amy a variety of skills, including cooking, cleaning, crocheting, sewing, playing games, and effectively trash talking a worthy opponent. She also attended countless school performances, sporting events, class parties, showers, and Aggie ring dunkings with one of the proudest faces in the room.
Miss Ellie had a large impact in her community, working at the First Baptist Church of Mauriceville daycare and donating to causes close to her heart, including the March of Dimes, St Jude’s, and Shriners. She made crocheted blankets and beautiful quilts, often donating her blankets to disabled veterans organizations and gifting her quilts to family and friends.
Maw is survived by Garland Walker Linscomb and Cheryl Linscomb, her son and daughter-in-law; Jennifer Linscomb, Amy Lakich, and Matthew Lakich, her granddaughters and grandson-in-law; and Andrew Lakich and Valerie Lakich, her great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a warm network of cherished extended family and dear friends.
Maw had said she lived a great life, full of great times and great memories. There will not be a funeral service, only a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please share your best Miss Ellie / Aunt El / Aunt Ellie / Maw stories, send someone a card, or donate to your favorite cause. Don’t do anything she wouldn’t do.