After 98 years of finding the best in everyone and enjoying every minute of life, Mildred Walsh passed away quietly in her sleep at home on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Josephine Mildred Walsh “Mildred” was born February 23rd, 1918 in Syracuse, New York, fourth of seven children, growing up during the Great Depression.
She met the love of her life, John Francis (Frank) Xavier Walsh, on a blind date. They were married for 61 years when he passed away in 2011. They had three children - Timothy, Michael and Eileen. She lived in Waukesha for over 50 years and attended Salem United Methodist Church for 50 years.
She started teaching Sunday school when she was nine, helping out with the younger children. She started singing in the church choir with her family when she was 14. Eventually she led the singing in Sunday school at the Methodist Episcopal Church which her great-grandfather founded. She continued teaching Sunday school through all 14 places she lived right up until the age of 85. For the rest of her life, she remained active in Salem United Methodist Women as part of the Sarah Circle, the church prayer chain, and scheduling liturgists up until her death.
Mildred worked as a cost accountant through the late 1930's-40's, and she went on to do the bookkeeping for Frank's business throughout the 1960's-70's.
In addition to her husband Frank, she was predeceased by her son Dr. Timothy Walsh. She is survived by her sister Madeleine Charette of Oswego, NY; son Michael Walsh of Buffalo, MN; daughter Eileen Zore of Milwaukee, WI; five wonderful grandchildren Alison, Ryan, Cora, Eva and Logan; two sweet great-grandchildren Joel and Shoshana; her daughters-in-law Katherine Freund of Portland, ME and Erin Walsh of Buffalo, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 4:00 PM until the time of the 5:00 PM service in celebration of Mildred’s life at Salem United Methodist Church, 541 Hwy. 59, Waukesha, WI 53186. Pastor Jorge Luis Mayorga will preside. Following the service a reception and continued celebration of Mildred’s life will follow in the church hall. Private interment will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church. (541 Hwy. 59, Waukesha, WI 53186).