Ann Marie (Leliaert) Walker

December 4, 1947     ~     February 3, 2026

Ann Marie Walker, 78, of Mission Viejo, CA, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026 surrounded by friends and family. Ann Marie was born on December 4, 1947 to Ruby Lucile and James Edward Leliaert, in Mishawaka, IN. She was raised in South Bend, IN and attended James Whitcomb Riley High School and Bethel College.

An accomplished woman and trailblazer, Ann Marie achieved many professional milestones, serving most of her working years as a health care and university administrator. Always a traveler and a restless spirit, Ann Marie fell in love and moved with her husband to the middle east where she lived for several years in Tehran, Iran. There, she mastered the local language and embraced her passion for shaping young minds by teaching the children of royalty, ambassadors, and politicians at the international school.

When she wasn't using her quick wit and sharp mind to get herself into trouble, Ann Marie used her talents to master classical music. As a young adult, Ann Marie fell in love with the poetry of song. She learned to play classical piano, guitar, and was inching closer to mastering violin in her senior years. Indeed, Ann Marie had a passion for classical music and opera. On any day, if you closed your eyes and listened closely, you might be treated to a symphony of toe taps and hums as she listened to Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach on her favorite radio station. And if you were lucky enough to approach without her noticing, you might see Ann Marie stiffly waving her finger through the air, keeping the orchestra of her mind on tempo.

Eventually, her wanderlust led Ann Marie to Southern California, where she gave the world her greatest gift: a darling daughter whose smile radiates with the love she has for her mother. And it is through that same daughter, and the lives Ann Marie touched throughout her travels, that her legacy lives on.

Ann Marie is survived by her loving family, including her daughter Gabriela Sharlene Afra of Whittier, CA, Gabi's partner José Del Río III of Whittier, CA, and her former husband Bijan Afra of Laguna Beach, CA. She also is survived by 9 siblings, Robert Leliaert of Bremen, IN; Randy Leliaert of Osceloa, IN; David Leliaert of Sturgis, SD; Deborah Leliaert of Santa Fe, NM; Geri Garrard of Buffalo, NY; Paula Sumpter of Greenville, SC; Mary Rennecker of Fort Wayne, IN; Teresa Leliaert of Louisville, KY; and Lisa Leliaert of Lexington, KY. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Wayne Walker of Mission Viejo, CA.

A memorial service will be held February 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. in O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

A burial service will take place on February 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. in El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Family and friends are welcome at both services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Classical California KUSC, Ann Marie's favorite public radio and non-profit classical music station.

The family would like to thank Hahn Pham and caregivers Mel and May at Rainbow Cottage in Mission Viejo for their loving care of Ann Marie.

We Love You Ann Marie. We'll see you in the funny papers.

02/11/2026 djb

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