Meet The Family
Eileen Messenger – Partner
Eileen was born in Penrith in 1945, only child of Reg & Dorothy Walker. She attended Brunswick Road Infant School. Tynefield and Briggs Commercial College, Penrith – her first job was secretary for Mr J. Carlyle Lancaster, Land Agent, Penrith for 4 years, then she moved to the Royal Insurance Company in Penrith where she stayed until after her marriage.
She then joined her mother and father at ‘Walker’s Taxis’, Corney Square, Penrith. Most weekends were spent helping the Messenger family in their shop and post office at Glenridding. Eileen Married Peter Messenger in 1969.
Peter was born at Glenridding in January 1943, youngest son of William and Mary who ran the Village Store and Post Office. He attended Patterdale School and enjoyed the lake district all his life. He had a mechanics apprenticeship with J.W. Kieser of Penrith, travelling daily from Glenridding. It was whilst he was working in Penrith he met Eileen in 1963. He joined the Walker family business in 1968. Peter died suddenly in July 2014.
Peter and Eileen were married at Christ Church, Penrith on 29th June 1969 and moved into their own home at Frenchfield Gardens. Their first daughter Kathryn was born in 1973 and their youngest daughter Susan in 1976
Susan Smyth Partner
Susan was born and bred in Penrith attending Ullswater Community College before studying Information Technology and Business Studies. Susan has worked for various businesses within the town including A.T.S Tyres, Harold’s Tyres and Carrs Billington Animal feed. Following the birth of her first son, Archie, Susan decided to to join the family business. Two years later her second son arrived, Rowan “Walkers Funeral Directors has been a huge part of my family my whole life, and I am very passionate to keep it that way, I would like to think Archie and Rowan will continue with the same passion in the future.”
Bearers/Assistants
We are very proud of our dedicated team, they have been with us for many years. They are all very experienced, compassionate and are respected members of the community.
The Future of Walkers Family Funeral Directors.
From left to right, Damon Steadman, Gary Strong and Susan Smyth