Margaret Harriet Walsh

Margaret H. Walsh

   1923 - 2019

Margaret Harriet Walsh, wife of the late John Wilfred “Fred” Walsh of Douglasfield Road, Miramichi, NB, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, with her loving family by her side at the age of 96.  Born in Douglasfield on August 10, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Lemuel and Audrey Margaret (Astles) Godfrey.

Margaret was a devoted and loving wife to her husband of 63 years and a loving and dedicated homemaker to her family for all of her life.  In 1942 she lived in Neepawa, Manitoba, and was employed as a time keeper for the Royal Canadian Air Force at their British Commonwealth Air Training School in that community for pilot trainees during World War 2. Following this, in 1943, she moved to Moncton, New Brunswick and worked at Woolworth’s Department Store as a sales clerk and shortly thereafter met Fred, the love of her life, and became the matriarch of her loving family.

A devoted Christian woman, Margaret attended St. Paul’s Anglican Church faithfully until her declining health became a deterrent, and was very active in many capacities.  She served on several committees and was a life-long member of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) for over 70 years, serving as St. Paul’s ACW president as well as Deanery president.  She also was a leader for the Little Helpers Program, the Anglican Junior Auxiliary (JA) and the Girl’s Auxiliary (GA).

Margaret was very active in her community and was well known for providing assistance to many families and individuals during times of hardship, need, sickness, sadness or any special occasion.  She was proud of her family and provided each of her children with the same measure of love and dedication, without recognizing one more than the other.  Her 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and her one great-great-grandchild knew that she loved and adored each and every one of them, and, until recently, could count on her to recognize each of their birthdays with a card and a little gift.   

Margaret is survived by one brother: Robert Halvorsen “Bud” Godfrey of Miramichi, seven children: Judith “Judy” McLaughlin (Roy) of London, Ontario; Carolyn Hamilton (late Norris); Lorna Urquhart (Alton); Richard Walsh (Helen);; Barbara Lynn Parsons (Peter Barrieau); Audrey Creamer (Larry) and Linda Hembrough (Robert); all of Miramichi, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Besides her husband and her parents, she is predeceased by three sisters: Florence Harvey (late Kenneth); Annie Doidge (late Dr. Reginald); Alice “Rena” Wright (late Joseph), two infant brothers: William and Thomas Lemuel; one infant daughter: Evelyn Audrey; twin granddaughters: Lori and Lisa Hamilton; and one sister-in-law Jean Godfrey (Bud).

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi, on Thursday, from 7-9, and Friday, from 2-4 and 7-9.  The funeral service was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 750 Water Street, Miramichi, on Saturday, September 14, 2109, at 2 pm, conducted by the Rev. Perry Cooper, assisted by Rev. Deacon Eddie Quann, Rev. Deacon Ted Quann and James McCallum.  Music for the service was provided by Mrs. Janet Stothart and the hymns were “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace”, “Because He Lives” and the recessional hymn was “On Eagles Wings”.  Scripture readings was read by granddaughters: Shannon Baisley, Stephanie Colwell, Donna MacKenzie and grandson, Jared Walsh.  The prayers of the people was lead by son-in-law, Larry Creamer.

Pallbearers were Shawn McLaughlin, Brent Hamilton, Randy Urquhart, Jonathan Walsh, Christopher Parsons, Kevin Creamer and Jeremy Walsh.  Honorary pallbearers were Jennifer McLaughlin, Matthew Hamilton, Elene Hamilton, Donna MacKenzie, Paula Witherell, Jared Walsh, Craig Creamer, Shannon Baisley, Stephanie Colwell and Emily Hembrough.  Care Givers were Carolyn Sullivan, Faye O’Neill, Cheriel MacKinley, Erin Carter, Nina Long and Lorna Urquhart.  Interment was in the church cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, and in Margaret’s memory, donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Parish Cemetery fund, or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone 506-773-3492 or messages of condolences may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca.

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