Ethel M Walls, 95, of Lititz, PA died on May 12, 2018. Born in Liverpool England, she was the youngest daughter of the late Frederick Peters and Martha Wright Peters, and the loving wife of the late Harvey Walls to whom she was married for 58 years. They were married in Norwich Cathedral, England in January 1945. Both Ethel and Harvey served in the Royal Air Force during WWII.
After the war Ethel worked to help put Harvey through university following which time they immigrated to Canada in February 1952. The transatlantic voyage on the RMS Samaria took six and one-half days through rough north Atlantic waters, arriving in Halifax to cold like they had never experienced. Working first in Winnipeg, the Walls subsequently moved to Ottawa where Harvey was employed by the Canadian government. The Walls resided for 4 years in Ottawa where their eldest daughter Wendy was born. Employment by the DuPont Corporation fostered a move to Newark Delaware in 1957 where Gillian was born. Again, following employment with Armstrong Corporation, Harvey, Ethel, Wendy and Jill moved one last time to Lancaster which became “home”. Both Harvey and Ethel became naturalized United States Citizens in 1964.
Ethel supported Harvey in his career as a mechanical engineer as “a stay at home mom” for the girls. She volunteered at the Humane League of Lancaster, Lancaster General Hospital – where she was a “grey lady,” and made cookies weekly for the children at Harb-Adult. She loved caring for her 2 grandsons from infancy to supporting them to the fine young men they are today.
She is survived by 2 daughters: Wendy (Henry) Hershey, and Gillian Walls, both of Lititz. She is additionally survived by 2 grandsons- R. Grant Hershey, Lititz and Bradley H., Philadelphia. Ethel has one surviving brother, Robert Peters (South Wirrel, England). Her sister Pauline Gibbs and brothers Harry and Frank Peters preceded her in death.
A Memorial and internment in Highland Presbyterian Memorial Garden will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to The Janus School 205 Lefever Road Mt. Joy 17552 or Hospice Community Care PO Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604.
To leave online condolences for the family, please visit: www.CremationLancasterPA.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ethel’s commanding presence will be greatly missed.
A lovely tribute to beloved Auntie Ethel. I will never forget her kindnesses and love of family.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a phenomenal woman and I am so glad that I had the privilege to know her. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all during this difficult time.