: Mary Walton, 91, widow of American antiques dealer John S.
Walton, died on February 6. Most people in the antiques community
will remember Mary's warm and hospitable nature, whether sitting
by John's side at auctions or opening their home to clients and
colleagues.
Mary's first love, however, was for preserving the environment.
She was well known in Southeastern Connecticut as an avid
environmental activist and was well-respected for her unwavering
devotion to that cause. She fought countless political battles in
her goal to preserve open land and promote responsible
development. Mary received state and local recognition for her
efforts, and her accomplishments were recently memorialized in
the editorials of two leading Southeastern Connecticut
newspapers.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A memorial
service will be held in her honor in early spring. Donations may
be made in Mary's memory to the Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc,
PO Box 49, Old Mystic CT 06372.
