Miss Marion A. Walsh

PITTSFIELD- Marion A. Walsh, 85, formerly of Yarmouth St. passed away December 15, 2016 at the Village at Laurel Lake. Born in Larchmont, New York on May 10, 1931, to Joseph Walsh and Ada Bauer Walsh, Marion spent her early years in the Larchmont public schools. When the family moved to Pittsfield, she was enrolled in Pontoosuc Elementary School and went on to Pittsfield High School, where she was a member of the softball, volleyball, and basketball teams, and was known by the nickname “Stretch” because of her 5’10” stature. After graduating from North Adams State College, Marion began her professional life in teaching; nearly her entire career was dedicated to the third graders of Redfield Elementary School. As she was out and about in the Berkshires, she was often stopped and greeted by her many former students with an exuberant “Hello, Miss Walsh!” As much as she loved being in her classroom with her students, just as much she treasured her annual trips to walk the beaches of Bermuda, and her summer visits to England as an enthusiastic spectator at Wimbledon. Marion took advantage of all the cultural experiences available in the Berkshires and beyond, going from museums to theater and music venues, from Pleasant Valley Sanctuary bird walks to playing tennis matches, and from poetry readings to sailing excursions. She grew up near Pontoosuc Lake, and, after her retirement, Marion returned to the lake, where she spent her later years continuing to enjoy the county’s many offerings, visiting with friends, reading, zealously following the Boston Red Sox, and birding while walking the trails and fields of the Berkshires. Marion lived a full and happy life with many longtime friends who she valued greatly, her nephews and nieces, and cats and dogs; all who enjoyed being in her lively company. Adventurer, athlete, appreciator of the arts, nature and animal lover, spirited road-tripper, teacher, friend, and beloved aunt; she exemplified living life to the fullest. Marion was preceded in death by her brother David Walsh, sisters Elizabeth Walsh, Barbara Walsh Truran, Isabel Walsh Parker, and nephew David B. Parker. She is survived by her nephew Stephen D. Parker, and nieces Faith Parker, Laurie Truran Jensen, Patricia Truran Niarchos, and Deborah Truran Colby Corrado. A note of thanks goes to the staff and nurses Darlene and Stephanie in the memory care section of Kindred Living at Laurel Lake, and special thanks to nurse Jennifer for her attention and kindness in overseeing Marion’s care. FUNERAL NOTICE- A memorial service for Marion A. Walsh will be held Wednesday, December 21 at 11AM at WELLINGTON FUNERALHOME, with Rev. Charles Young, HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Chaplin, officiating. Burial will follow in the Pittsfield Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Donation in Marion’s name may be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society in care of the funeral home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences to her family.

Miss Marion A. Walsh

May 10, 1931 - December 15, 2016