Tributes to popular Eucharistic Minister and former school governor Loretta Walker

TRIBUTES have been made following the death of popular Eucharistic Minister and former School Governor of St. Catherine of Siena in Lowton, Loretta Walker, who has passed away at the age of 73 following complications relating to her cancer treatment.

In a statement released by the family, son Dominic Walker, the former radio and Warrington Wolves match day presenter, said: “I have the sad and somber task to announce the passing of our Mum Loretta Josephine Walker. Mum was a dedicated friend, Grandmother, Mum and wife and she will be dearly missed by such a close-knit family.”
Mr Walker went on to say that his father Stan was at his Mum’s bedside when she passed away peacefully in her sleep as he has been for the last 51 years.
Mrs Walker was born in Belfast and moved to Liverpool at a young age, she was educated at La Saggese Grammar School in Liverpool and St. Anthony’s Primary School where she and her brother Desmond ‘Des’ Rea went on to form a lifelong friendship with the singer Cilla Black. Loretta’s brother Des went on to win the Lonsdale Belt after beating Vic Andretti in 1968.
Loretta moved to Lowton in the 1970’s and went on to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine of Siena Church and was a school Governor of the School and Treasurer of the PTA.
Loretta and husband Stan have always believed in giving young people every opportunity. Stan established the 3rd Lowton Cubs football team and has worked as a volunteer football coach for nearly four decades while Loretta helped underprivileged young people with education both financially and as a mentor.
Loretta was a regular at Royal events including Carols at Windsor Castle each December, Trooping the Colour, the Garter Ceremony, Royal Ascot and she spent time with the late Baroness Thatcher.
Tributes have poured in from the world of entertainment and politics including Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Rt. Hon. Nigel Evans MP, Warrington South MP Andy Carter, ITV This Morning’s Eva Speakman and Talk Radio presenter Mike Graham. Leading the tributes, Leigh MP James Grundy said:“I am devastated to hear of Loretta’s passing, she was a friend, constituent and community champion and will be missed by all who knew her and the wider community in Lowton and Golborne.”
Loretta is survived by husband Stan, sons Dominic, Andre who is a columnist for the New York Observer and YouTube star, Daniel who works in financial services and six Grandchildren.
The family says that they would like to establish a Foundation in Loretta’s name to continue funding education projects for underprivileged young people in Leigh, Warrington and surrounding areas.