Walker, Mary Emma Loretta (Champion), 72, died peacefully in hospice care on April 14, 2021. Mary was born in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada on July 8,1948, to Vernon Eldon Champion and Emma Jean MacDonald of Prince Edward Island. They immigrated to Somerville in 1963, sponsored by Vernon’s sister, where Mary enrolled at Somerville High for her sophomore year and graduated in 1966.

Mary jumped straight into the workforce after high school and held many interesting jobs in her lifetime. She was one of few women who administered state vehicle inspections in the 60s, while also making subs at the adjacent shop that turned construction workers and truck drivers into regulars. To the delight of her children, she worked at the local Jack-in-the Box in the 80s, where she had a soft spot for the late night crowd that tumbled in, and knew just how to keep them in line so that they didn’t get kicked out. She also worked for T.J. Maxx in the 80s and travelled across the country to assist with opening new locations. But it was her time serving as Election Commissioner for the City of Somerville from 1990-2001 that gave her the greatest sense of accomplishment and pride. Having obtained her US Citizenship in 1989, it meant a great deal to her to oversee fair and proper elections.

Mary was also deeply involved in Somerville’s Parent Teacher Association, volunteering for 12 years until retiring as president in 1989. As a Somerville PTA scholarship honoree in 1994, she was introduced the way many would remember her today, “Whatever the assignment, whatever the job, she did it well. She did it from the heart.”

Mary will be remembered as someone with a fondness for children of all ages, as someone who would give her last dollar to someone in need, and someone who always put others before herself. She loved bingo; trips to Foxwoods with her best friend, Pat; following professional wrestling with her son; her beloved NASCAR; and visiting Ogunquit, Maine. She crocheted many, many afghans that kept cozy every man, woman, and child she ever had the occasion to meet. Having grown up in a family of fishermen, she knew how to get every last bit out of a lobster, a skill her daughter happily carries on. 

Mary is survived by her companion of nearly 40 years, Gerard Clavette; their son Brian Clavette of Manchester, NH; and Mary’s daughter Catherine Piantigini, her son-in-law Michael, and her granddog, Rocky of Somerville. She is also survived by her brother Donald Champion, and sister-in-law Donna of Ontario, Canada. Mary was fortunate to have many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much, and who loved her very much.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq) Somerville, Monday 3-6pm. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Tuesday morning at 10am followed by interment in St. Paul Cemetery, Arlington.

In memory of Mary, donations may be made to the Friends of the Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143; CASPAR (Cambridge And Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery), CASPAR, Inc., P.O. Box 45538, Somerville, MA 02145; and the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Inc., 1 Davis Square, Somerville, MA 02144.