In Loving Memory: Helen E. Walsh, Peekskill, New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Statement from Patrick J. Walsh

Mom and Pat

I am sad to have to begin this new year with some difficult news...

Those who know me well will understand the magnitude of the loss I feel at the passing of my Mom, Helen. All good things that have come to me in life radiated through my wonderful family, and my Mom and Dad and Grandfather remain always at the center of any good I have done or might ever do in my life.

As you may have ascertained from my writing, I believe human existence includes a broad spiritual dimension. That belief remains intact despite the extreme, intense tragedy that has played out in my life in the days since December 26.

Those of you who have first-hand knowledge of the crushing experience of shepherding a loved one through a final crisis in a hospital setting will understand the nature of what I have encountered during the past week.

From my place beside the bed, the message of those long hours — observed by some, but ignored by many — remains simple: Love above all, compassion and care of spirit before any necessity of medicine or physical limitation.

I turn now to memories of my dear Mom, and as always, I pledge to fulfill to the best of my ability the legacy she and my Dad and my grandfather have passed on to me. Please pray for them.

 

Obituary:

Helen E. Walsh, Peekskill, New York

Helen E. Walsh, wife of former Peekskill City Manager John E. Walsh, passed away Monday, December 31, 2012. She was 85 years old.

Helen was born in Brooklyn, New York to James and Sadie Holsgrove. Her mother died when she was 11 years old. After leaving high school to work at the Royal Globe and Liverpool Insurance Company, Helen met John and they were married at Assumption Church in Peekskill on June 26, 1948.

In the early 1950s, Helen survived a long battle with tuberculosis. After her recovery, she was very active as a volunteer in the church and community for many years. She worked as a religious instruction teacher at Assumption and at Holy Name of Mary in Croton, New York, and served at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Peekskill for 11 years.

She returned to school in her 50s and received her GED diploma, and then attended college at Mercy College in Peekskill.

She is survived by two sons, Michael (and his wife, Eneida) and Patrick J. Walsh; and her grandchildren, whom she cherished, Kelliann, Michael Jr. and James.

She is also survived by her step-sister Dorothy Paul, of Merrick, New York; six beloved sisters-in-law: Mary Jane Wietsma, Sister Margaret Walsh, Helen Walsh, Ursula Walsh, Marie McKeon and Jean Ruh; and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 10 AM at Assumption Church, Peekskill. Friends may call on Friday, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at JOSEPH NARDONE FUNERAL HOME, Washington St., Peekskill. Burial will be at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor.

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