Mary M. Walsh

Mary M. (Tashjian) Walsh, 86 of West Boylston, formerly of 244 Belmont Street, Worcester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. Her husband and soul mate of sixty-four years, Edward F. Walsh, Jr., predeceased her in January 2005. Mary is survived by two sons, Edward F. Walsh III and his wife Sylvia and Robert P. Walsh and his wife Ann Marie all of Worcester; five daughters, Patricia A. Wrixon of Boston, Kathy M. Walsh and her husband Bob A. Bishop of Norwood, Meg Peltier and her husband Bob of Worcester, twin daughters, Mary Aframe and her husband Carl of Worcester and Cheryl Peltier and her husband Ray of Webster; a brother, John Tashjian and his wife Jean of Worcester; fourteen grandchildren, Daniel J., Daniel C. and Nikki K., Tracey C. and Travis W., Edward F. IV, Michael S., Rebecca, Bryan P. and Katelyn A, Tara A., Marlo R, MacKenzie R. and McCall R.; eleven great grandchildren, Matt, twin brothers Brendan and Ryan, Johnny, Cody, Amanda, Steven, Audrey and Jack, Lennox and Finnegan; many nieces and nephews. Mary was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Martin and Sofie (Chavoor) Tashjian and had lived there most of her life. She worked for many years as a waitress for various restaurants in and around Worcester, most notably the Edgemere Lodge. She was a member of the former Our Lady of Fatima Parish. She enjoyed travel, crossword puzzles, playing BINGO, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Mary had many friends but found most joy in her family; having married her soul mate at a young age. She nurtured and cared for each of her children and then continued to care for her grandchildren allowing her own children to accomplish great things. She participated in the daily activities of her grandchildren throughout their lives that they referred to her at mum. Mary chose to continue her education when she turned seventy years old by taking classes to complete her GED and subsequently attended Worcester State College. Her family would like to express sincere thanks to everyone at Knollwood Nursing Center and to the kind people at UMass-Memorial Hospice, for all of the loving care they provided. Calling hours will be held Sunday, December 20, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Mary's funeral will be held Monday, December 21, from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint John's Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Interment in Saint John's Cemetery will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Employee Fund at Knollwood Nursing Center, Long Term Care Unit, 87 Briarwood Circle, West Boylston, MA 01583.