Bertha Walker

Bertha Walker, age 98, of La Grange, Illinois, formerly of Shorewood, Illinois, Tucson, Arizona, and Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026.

Beloved wife of the late Stephen Walker; loving mother of Sandra (John) Karuschak, Steven (Salliann) Walker, and the late Carol (the late Donald) Ivins; cherished grandmother of Shawn (Adrian Molitor) Walker, Erin (C'Aira Shields) Walker, Anna (Michael McKnight) Marin, Aniele Hawkins, Todd (Dulce) Ivins, Curt Ivins, and Elliot Ivins; proud great grandmother of Tlaloc Gutierrez, Xochitl Marin, August Molitor, Eli Hawkins, Ava Hawkins, Evi Ivins and Madi Boor.

Bertha was the last surviving sibling of the first generation Markus family in America. She was preceded in death by her four sisters, Emily, Marie, Sophie, and Virginia, and her four brothers, Clarence, Alex, Fred, and David.

Bertha grew up in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood. As a young girl, she developed a love of music and became an accomplished piano player. She studied piano throughout grade school and often accompanied fellow students during school programs and events. As a teenager, she pursued her passion for clothing design and dressmaking by attending Washburne Trade School, graduating in 1945.

She married the love of her life, Stephen Walker, in 1948. Together they built a loving home and shared 62 years of marriage. While raising their three children, Bertha never lost sight of her dream of working in the fashion industry.

That dream became reality when she accepted a position managing alterations at a boutique in Chicago's Ambassador East Hotel. Her talent, dedication, and exceptional eye for fit led to an opportunity to oversee the fitting and alterations department at Saks Fifth Avenue on Michigan Avenue. After ten successful years there, she accepted the position of Head Fitter at Ultimo in Chicago's Gold Coast, where she continued to build a distinguished career doing what she loved most. Following her retirement from Ultimo, Bert and Steve bought an RV and roamed around the USA before deciding to move to Tucson, Arizona, where they embraced a new chapter filled with new friends and community.

In Tucson, she founded The Silver Spurs Line Dancing Club, where she taught and led dances for fellow enthusiasts. Under her direction, the group performed at numerous community events, proudly wearing costumes that Bertha personally designed and sewed.

Sewing remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life. Whether creating or altering clothing for herself or her family and friends, she found joy in making things by hand and sharing her talents with those she loved.

Bertha was always a go getter. She loved bowling, organizing parties, decorating her home, and bringing people together. Bert always loved a party and took great pride in organizing the annual Markus Clan Christmas gatherings and summer family reunion picnics in the Chicago forest preserves. She was always up for fun and games and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. She was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her team. She and her girlfriends often traveled to other cities to watch the Cubs play, creating friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. One of her most cherished memories was meeting and hanging out with Ron Santo and Glenn Beckert at a hotel bar, a story she loved to share with family and friends.

Above all else, Bertha cherished her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother whose greatest joy came from the people she loved. She also held a special place in her heart for many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, celebrating milestones, hosting gatherings, and creating lasting memories. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will be missed and continue to be felt by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23rd from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, Illinois. The funeral procession will follow the service to Acacia Park Cemetery in Norridge for interment.

All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon following the burial. Details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Bert's memory at: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaigns/Bert-Walker-Memorial-Donation-to-American-Cancer-Society

For additional information, call (708) 485-2000 or visit www.HitzemanFuneral.com.

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the Guestbook and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card to the Family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Bertha Walker Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.