Mary Esther Walsh

GEDCOM Note

NSW Birth Reg #213 Cert No 46
Baptism Certificate Page 129 No 1975

NSW Death Reg #101061/1981

OBITUARY (Daily Examiner, Grafton, NSW) On February 7, Mrs Mary Walsh passed away suddenly but peacefully at her home in Grafton. She is survived by her husband Len, her sons David, Ian, Eric and Richard and her brother Stan Bailey. Her sisters Lil Cowan, Gertrude Bailey and her brothers Jack and Eric Bailey predeceased her. Born December 3, 1915 at Grafton and married on April 13, 1938 in the Grafton Baptist Church, Mary lived all her life in Grafton but for a 10 year period during which she lived at Woolgoolga.

The last few years of Mary's life were, in one sense, difficult years. Having lived a very active life, Mary found herself severely curtailed by her physical limitations. Nevertheless, she was always able to rise above her circumstances and even in her more recent years, was a faithful member of the Grafton Branch of the Red Cross and a helper in the Meals on Wheels organisation, as well as sharing in visitation to other needy folk.

Always busy with her hands, Mary had exceptional taste and ability in craftwork, floral art and needlecraft. Her expertise in these areas were shared for the benefit of others.

Music played a major part of Mary's life. She had the high honour of sharing in the State Medal on one occasion and gained other successes and recognition as she excelled in Trinity College Music examination. Only one more examination would have ensured her the very high honour or receiving her "Cap and Gown." Being the mother of a very close and devoted family, Mary will always be remembered as a loving wife, and dedicated and devoted mother to her four children, and an affectionate grandmother to her 13 grandchildren.

Although of a reserved and retiring nature, and never one to seek positions of prominence, Mary had that wonderful quality of making and maintaining very close friendships. Many will miss her hospitality, warmth and friendship.

Mary was one of the longest standing members of the Grafton Baptist Church, which was her spiritual home for 51 years of her membership. Over the years she served the church through various ministries including Christian Endeavour, Sunday School teaching, girls' club, organist and ladies fellowship.

Tribute was paid to Mary at a capacity packed funeral service held at the Grafton Baptist Church and conducted by Rev Darrell McKerlie. He praised Mary for the quality of life that she had lived, a life of dedication to her Lord, to her husband and family and to her Church. He also informed the congregation that Mary was both speaking and listening to God moments before she passed into His presence. Beside her was her Bible and Prayer List, symbolic of her communion with the God whom she served so faithfully during her lifetime.

Members of the Grafton Branch of the Red Cross formed a guard of honour in memory of their friend and colleague.

Expressions of sympathy have come from friends far and wide, from Kenya (Africa), New Zealand and from various states of Australia."

GEDCOM Note

(Medical):Hysterectamy 9 Dec 1959