Remembering Dorothy Walker
We were sad to hear that Dorothy Walker, one of the co-founders of Berkeley Community Scholars (founded as the Berkeley Community Fund, or BCF), passed away in June 2023. Dorothy spent six decades of local activism which touched practically every aspect of Berkeley life. Dorothy co-founded Berkeley Community Fund with some of her friends and colleagues in 1992. According to a letter written by Jeffrey Shattuck, he hatched the idea of starting BCF when he was turning 50. Dorothy helped make it possible. She continued to support the organization every year since then. Dorothy was one of the most selfless, inspiring people we have ever known.
Today’s Berkeleyside carries her obituary, but it just touches on the tremendous impact Dorothy had on the greater Berkeley community. You can read more about her life, the Oral History Center at the Bancroft Library published an interview with her in 2015.
Dorothy was a kind, generous, determined, and tenacious woman who lived with the belief shared by Margaret Mead:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever did.
We are so grateful for our time with Dorothy and are blessed that she helped us all learn how to live a life of service and joy. She was one of the most selfless, inspiring people we have ever known.
With our deepest gratitude, we send our warmest hugs and love to her family, her friends, and the community she loved so dearly.