Laurel Walker

Laurel Marilyn Walker
February 15, 1932 - July 8, 2025

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Laurel Marilyn Walker, who passed away peacefully in her home at the extraordinary age of 93 on July 8, 2025 at 4:54AM.

Laurel was one of twin baby girls born to Rodrigo and Luisa Casis On February 15, 1932 in the town of Pearl Lagoon on the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua. Laurel was the oldest of 9 siblings: John, Jasper, Shirley, Delcia & George. She also had two other half sisters Janie & Ethel from her father. Her twin passed away at birth. She lived with her grandparents John & Ethel Casis in the city of Pearl Lagoon in Nicaragua until the age of 3. This was while her mother was working in the town of Puerto Cabezas. From then she went to live with her mother and her aunt Vera.

She started school in Puerto Cabezas at the Moravian school and then continued on to Moravian college in Bluefields Nicaragua. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Literature. She came home to her mom in Puerto Cabezas and she went on to study nursing in Bilwas Karma - Rio Coco in Nicaragua. She received her four year Nursing Degree in 1954.

Her journey of service and excellence continued at the military hospital in Managua, Nicaragua where she proudly served as Second Lieutenant in the Nicaraguan Army Nurse Corps in 1959. Driven to grow and serve even more deeply, Laurel pursued further studies in Public Health and Psychology through the American Hospital. She received additional Nursing certifications from the Government of Nicaragua. During her service she volunteered as a medical ship nurse rendering aid to the citizens of Panama.

From Panama she went back to Nicaragua and then came to the United States. She became certified as an RN and poured her heart into her work. As an Operating Room Nurse in several Los Angeles area hospitals—she brought care, dignity and compassion to every patient she encountered.

Laurel married the love of her life, Captain Ernest L. Walker Jr., and together they built a home grounded in faith, love and unity until his passing on September 23, 2000.

Laurel’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud and loving matriarch of a large, close-knit family that includes children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She instilled in all of us love, kindness, wisdom and the values of faith—lessons that will remain with us forever. Her unconditional love, constant encouragement and spiritual guidance were pillars in our lives. Even in the most difficult of times, she reminded us to rely on God and to never forget that we are deeply loved.

Her hugs, her laughter, her timeless advice and her calming presence will be missed more than words can say. She was our comfort, our cheerleader and our prayer warrior.

Laurel also found joy in nurturing her garden, her plants and sharing meaningful moments with loved ones. She especially treasured family trips to Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, and Pechanga, where laughter and love flowed freely. She enjoyed the blessings that God gave her in life.

We are deeply grateful for the extended families and friends who became part of Laurel’s circle of love: Madrinita Ida and the Ow Family, Madrinita Yolanda and the Stratton Family, the Williams Family, the Cantarero Family, Mama Olga, Jimmy, Johnny and the Sumner Family, Mrs. Dora Green, Mrs. Rachel Vasquez and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Grandmaison.

Her sons Milton, Ernest, Mike and Jon would like to extend special appreciation to her sisters Delcia Casis, Shirley Casis, her nephew Ted Henry Smith, her nieces Luisa and Tonya whose love, guidance and strength helped carry us through this difficult time.

We also would like to extend our appreciation to the paramedics, firefighters and the many doctors, nurses and caregivers that took care of her during her sickness.

She has left us a legacy of faith, strength and boundless love and her memory will forever live on in our hearts and in our minds.

Laurel, thank you for your life, your love and your light. You are deeply missed—and forever celebrated.