Sarah Josephine "Sally" Walsh

Sarah Josephine, “Sally,” Walsh of Raleigh, North Carolina, formerly of Boston and Milton, MA. Beloved daughter of the late Patrick J. and Anne (Lydon) Walsh of Carraroe, County Galway, Ireland, and Boston. Cherished wife of the late John T. Walsh Jr.  Devoted mother of Sheila M. Walsh and Eileen Walsh Dowd (Paul) of Raleigh and of the late John T. Walsh III and Thomas B. Walsh. Proud grandmother of Lily Walsh Horicka and Nora Walsh of Connecticut. Beloved sister of Margaret O’Driscoll of Weymouth, and the late Patrick, Seanó, Thomas, and Barbara Walsh, and Mary Geraghty. 

Sally grew up in South Boston, playing on the beach and sailing at the Columbia Yacht Club in boats her father built. She attended Gate of Heaven parish schools, graduating in 1952, and went to work for the Boston Gas Company and later at Teachers College. She married John Walsh, the love of her life, at St. Margaret’s Church in 1954, leaving one big Walsh clan for another. Settling first in Jamaica Plain, Sally and John moved to Milton in 1969, where she devoted herself to raising her children, instilling in them the importance of faith, family, and the benefits of education and hard work. A parishioner at Saint Mary of the Hills parish for over 40 years, she was an avid volunteer at school, sports, and cultural events. Sally later returned to work for the Archdiocese of Boston, first in the Catholic Schools Office and then as assistant to the Archdiocesan Secretary of Education. One of her greatest honors there was meeting Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who gifted her a Miraculous medal. At the age of 77, she embarked on yet another new chapter, joining her daughter Eileen in Raleigh NC, where she enjoyed her church group at St. Francis of Assisi, and made great friends at Brier Creek Country Club.

Sally loved the beach, spending summers at the family cottage at Nantasket, and traveling, enjoying many trips with family and friends. She was a great reader and lover of puzzles.

She will be remembered for her faith, wisdom, compassion, and generosity. Hers was a life well-lived, and the lilt of her Irish laughter will be forever missed.

Visting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Hills Church, Milton Wednesday morning at 10:00.  Burial to follow at Milton Cemetery. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Raleigh, NC.

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