NORTH ANDOVER – On December 6th, at the age of 97, Irene Marie Walsh (formerly Irene Reusch) went home to be with God and her beloved husband Augustine T. Walsh. She lived a long full life surrounded by her 5 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene was known to many as “Grammy W.”, which is how she signed her personally designed cards.
She is survived by her son Augustine T. Walsh, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Atkinson, NH, her daughters Mary Walsh Driscoll wife of the late James M. Driscoll of Andover, Ann M. Carney and her husband Richard T. of Boxford, Irene M. Gagnon and her husband Robert A. of Lee, NH and Agnes Gunes and her husband Dogan of North Andover. She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
She was educated in the Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Lowell State Teachers College in 1933. Irene served as class President during her senior and junior years and vice-president during her sophomore and freshman years. She taught elementary school and was also Principal of Evening School in Lawrence. Her love for teaching and dedication to excellence along with her patience, understanding and kindness truly touched the hearts and lives of many young learners in the Andover Public Schools where she retired in 1972.
Her well-deserved long retirement was filled with health, happiness and love for her family and friends. There were many chapters in her life (joys and tragedies) that she faced with great tolerance and humility. She was blessed with the gift of courage and strong faith. This was evident when faced with changing situations that were often difficult! She was open-minded and very positive. Some of the chapters in her life were years at Forest Lake, Augusts in Salisbury, 45’s card games, yard sales and gardening, trips to Connecticut, and family visits, celebrations, weddings and Christmases with huge bags she delivered filled with gifts for the children. Her life was an inspiration in many ways. Her presence will be missed but her legacy lives on in those lives she touched. Her memory will be cherished always.
ARRANGEMENTS: Contributions can be made to Sutton Hill Employee Recognition Fund 1801 Turnpike Street North Andover, MA 01845. Calling hours will be at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844 on Thursday December 11th from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. and Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Michael Parish in North Andover on Friday December 12th at 10:00a.m.