Mary F. Walsh

WALSH, Mary - (Baie-Ste-Anne, NB)

“Until we meet again, may God

hold you in the palm of His hand”

-an Irish prayer

It is with sadness, but also with an appreciation for a long life well-lived, that we announce the passing of our mother, Mary Walsh, (widow of the late Roland Walsh) of Baie-Ste-Anne, on January 31, 2023, at the age of 109 years and 9 months. Mom died at home, peacefully, and surrounded by her family, - the same home that she moved into as a young bride on her wedding day, many, many years ago. Heaven has gained an angel; she was a bright light in our lives that will be forever missed.

Mom was the youngest child of the late Duncan Stewart Sr. and the late Bella (Comeau) Stewart, of Kouchibouguac. She is survived by her wonderful, dedicated and exceptional caregiver for the past 19 years, Kim (Vincent) Thibodeau of Escuminac. Seven children, Sandra (late Tom) Gulliver (Manford Wasson) of Bay Du Vin Beach, Lyla (late Francis) Duplessis of Aurora, Ontario, Stewart Walsh of Baie-Ste-Anne, Edward Walsh of Bay Du Vin, Tommy (Lee) Walsh of Auburnville, Gene (Margaret) Walsh of Baie-Ste-Anne, and Ian Walsh (Rachelle Miousse) of Fredericton. She was also “Nanny” to nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, - Grandchildren: Tessa Walsh (late Brent White) of Fredericton, late Scott Duplessis of Vancouver, Wendy (Joe) Arteaga of Aurora, Ontario, Stephen LeBail of Vancouver, Brian LeBail (Kathy) of Hampton, Kellie LeBail (Ryan Costello) of Waasis, Michael Walsh (Melissa Sirois) of Dieppe, Brendan Walsh (Christina Frechette) of Hubley, Nova Scotia, and Sarah Walsh (Henri Mallet) of Fredericton, - Great-grandchildren: Amanda, Joshua, Kailer, Emma, Bradly, Libby, Ali, Caitlin, Brooke, Lydia, Samuel and Felix. Mom is also survived by her “Stewart family” nieces, nephews and relatives, as well as three surviving godchildren, Aldred Stewart, Gertie (Hitchman) Daigle and Elaine (Hitchman) Smith.

Mom was predeceased by our Dad, Roland Walsh, in 1982, and by her grandson, Scott Duplessis in January, 2023. Mom was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been predeceased by her siblings, Roary Stewart, Margaret (Stewart) Devine, Dugald Stewart, Duncan Stewart Jr., and Dolly (Stewart) Smith.

Mom was also predeceased by three long-time cherished friends, Ceal Hitchman, Delila Lloyd and Alda Jenkins; we can envision all four of them up there this week having a great chit-chat, playing a game of 45s, (and as with any card game that they played, cheating on each other).

Our Mom was born and raised in Kouchibouguac. In her early 20’s, she moved to Escuminac and was employed as a housekeeper by the Lewis family. She truly enjoyed both the community and her work. It was there that she met our Dad, and as the old saying goes, “the rest is history”.

The center of Mom’s universe was her faith, her family and friends. She had remarkable strength and compassion toward others. Her infectious smile could melt a room. Mom was an amazing woman who found great comfort in witnessing the happiness of those around her. Her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren shone through in everything that she said and did. In her presence you always felt loved. Mom was also a wonderful cook. Every visitor to her home had to come in, sit at the kitchen table, and have “a bite to eat and a cup of tea”. No one ever left her house hungry. In her kind, gentle and quiet resolve, our Mom was such a strong family matriarch.

Visitation was held at Salon Soeur Blandine-Martin in Baie-Sainte-Anne (Church basement) on Friday, February 10th between the hours of 2:00 PM -to- 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM -to- 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday morning, February 11th., from 9:00  AM -to- 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 AM at the Sainte-Anne Catholic Church, Baie-Ste-Anne with The Reverend Father Dan Bastarache, The Reverend Father Antonio Reyes and The Reverend Father P. Jean Belisle as Celebrants.  Music for the service was provided by Mr. David Bunnell and Mrs. Susan Butler and the hymns were "Here I Am Lord", "The Lord is my Shepherd", "Ave Maria", "Lamb of God", "Prayer of Saint Francis", "Irish Blessing", "Song of the Angels" and the recessional hymn was "Going Home".  The placement of the Pall was done by Godchildren: Aldred Stewart, Gertie Daigle and Elaine Smith.  The first reading was read by granddaughter, Sarah Walsh and the second reading was read by granddaughter, Wendy Arteaga.  The prayers of the faithful were proclaimed by Ronnie and May Stewart and the eulogy was presented by granddaughter, Tessa Walsh.  The cross bearer was great-granddaughter, Caitlin Cameron and flowers were carried by grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kathy, Ali and Libby LeBail, Brooke and Lydia Walsh, Samuel and Felix Mallet and Emma Sloan   A luncheon followed at the community’s Golden Age Club.

Honorary pallbearers were Aldred Stewart, Clem & Helen Babineau, Joyce Comeau, Flavian & Gertie Daigle, Anges O'Neill, Tilly O'Neill Gordon, Muriel Lamkey, Leoda Manuel, Simone Gilbert, Jim & Sharon (Loyd) Partington, Kayleigh Partington, Paul & Joan Theriault, Bill & Carmel McIntyre, Rosaire Schofield, Terry Power, Elaine (Hitchman) Smith, Ron & Barbara Jean Manderson and Monique Martin.  Active pallbearers were grandchildren and great grandchildren: Joshua Arteaga, Stephen LeBail, Brian LeBail, Michael Walsh, Brendan Walsh and Kailer Sloan.  Interment will take place at a later date in the Walsh Family plot in the Escuminac Catholic Cemetery.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492 or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

"Where Dedicated People Care"

Est. 1956

Our Mom’s life was of a slightly longer duration than that of most. During that life she touched the lives of a lot of people, and always in a positive way. We love you Mom and we will miss you forever. Until we meet again, …

                    **************************************************************************

Irish  Funeral  Prayer

You can only have one Mother,

Patient, kind and true;

No other friend in all the world,

Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,

To Mother you will return,

For all her loving kindness,

She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,

Sweet memories we recall,

Of a face so full of sunshine,

And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message,

To our dear Mother up above;

Tell her how we miss her,

And give her all our love.

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