Gwendolyn K. (Kochenour) Walters

YORK - Gwen (Kochenour) Walters, 81, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on May 19, 2025 at Normandie Ridge. Born June 21, 1943, to Wilhelmena (Hinkle) and Karl Kochenour, Gwen was one of five siblings and lived a full life marked by creativity, laughter, and deep love for those around her.

Gwen brought joy everywhere she went with her upbeat, bubbly personality, contagious laugh, and natural ability to connect with people. Outgoing and witty, she had a great sense of humor and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind—often with a playful stubborn streak that those close to her came to adore.

She was a devoted mother to her three children: Carol Myers and her husband Jim, Kathy Seitz and her husband Chris, and Dennis Walters and his wife Jennifer. She was a proud grandmother to Eric Seitz, Keegan Walters, Kasey Seitz, Mackenzie Walters, and the late Cody Myers, and a great-grandmother to Norah Walters, who carries on Gwen’s legacy of light and joy. Gwen’s love extended to her many nieces and her nephew, with whom she shared a special bond.

She grew up in York alongside her siblings: Bonnie Wilmer (Bob), Carol Russell (the late Ronnie), Ken Kochenour (Candice), and Deb McCune (Tom), with whom she shared a lifelong connection grounded in love, laughter, and the unique stories only siblings can tell.

Gwen was a true creative spirit. She painted, drew, wrote whimsical poems, and expressed her talents through baking and cake decorating. Her imagination was boundless and often poured into handmade cards, sweet treats, thoughtful gifts, and artistic expressions that her family will treasure forever.

Professionally, Gwen dedicated many years to the tour and travel industry. She retired as Director of National Sales, Tour and Travel for GF Hotels & Resorts, where she helped countless others discover the joy of exploring new places.

She also spent a season of her life as a member of Friendship Community Church, where her warm spirit was felt by all.

Gwen will be remembered for her warmth, her humor, and the way she lit up a room with her presence. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Gwen’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org — a cause close to the hearts of her loved ones.

Send condolences at HeffnerCare.com