Ellen T. Walsh

Walsh, Ellen T. (O’Donnell), a long-time resident of Weymouth, and devout Catholic, unexpectedly passed away at home on March 23, 2013 as a result of complications from chemotherapy as she battled pancreatic cancer. She was 73 years old. 

Beloved wife of the late James P. Walsh, she was a loving and understanding mother of Kevin P. Walsh of Marshfield and the late James J. Walsh.  Ellen was also preceded in death by her sister Mary and her brothers JJ and Martin.  Ellen is survived by her sisters Annie and Bridgie, and her brothers, Paddy, Tony, Dan and Michael, all of Co. Mayo, Ireland. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.  

Born and raised in Co. Mayo, Ireland, Ellen followed many other Irish, including some of her brothers and sisters, to New York City where she met her future husband at an Irish dance.  After marrying in New York, they moved to Watertown, Massachusetts and shortly thereafter into a house in Weymouth that would be home for 46 years.  A licensed hairdresser, she worked part-time, but retired early so she could spend more time at home with her children.  She provided a wonderful place to call home and grow up.  Whether it was a hot meal, clean clothing, a hug or words of advice, she was always there for her family.  

Although she suffered the loss of her cherished son, Jimmy, at the young age of 19, and her husband, Jim, at the age of 52, she showed her strength and courage to live the next 25 years independently and productively. She reengaged in the workforce as the telephone switchboard operator at Weymouth Town Hall where she made many friends and enjoyed the conversations she had with many visitors to town hall.  Her new career required that she learn how to type and how to use a new computer based telephone system, both of which she mastered.  

 She enjoyed spending time with her many friends either chatting on the phone or over a cup of tea.  She became close with her daughter-in-law, Antje, and her grandchildren, Marc and Eric.  She was ever so proud of her Marc and Eric and their accomplishments.  She loved when they would sleep over and she could cook them breakfast which always included a pound or more of bacon.  

She enjoyed her trips to Ireland and reconnecting with family and friends that lived there.  She was active in the church and was a member of St. Jerome’s Pro Life Committee.  

Over the years she had a few trusted people she hired to help around the house with repairs and yard work. She always appreciated the fine workmanship, but what she really cherished was the conversation, cup of tea and sometimes an Irish Mist that followed for her guests.

She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten, and we pray she keeps an eye on all of her family and friends as she did while she was with us.  

Funeral services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Weymouth Food Pantry, 1189 Commercial St., Weymouth, MA 02189.