Jacquelyn M. Walsh
Retired St. William’s Church Secretary
TEWKSBURY: Jacquelyn M. “Jackie” (Marsh) Walsh, age 90, a longtime resident of Tewksbury and active member of the St. William’s Parish Community, passed away at her home in the care of her family on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of 66 years to James F. Walsh, who passed away on July 16, 2023.
Born in Chelsea on November 23, 1933, she was the daughter of the late George H. Marsh and the late Mary L. (McCarthy) Marsh.
Growing up in Chelsea, she was a star basketball player, being the leading scorer for her high school varsity team. As an adult she enjoyed duckpin bowling at the old Wamesit lanes. She retained her athletic prowess into adulthood and showed it when she won the Bologna toss many times at the St. Williams annual picnic. She loved playing cribbage, teaching her friends and family to play, then crushing them in opposition.
After high school, Jackie worked for the telephone company, enabling her family to get their very first phone and their first and only car. Later in life she worked as a secretary for St. William's Rectory for over 25 years. But the role she cherished most was being a mother. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and she made everyone feel loved. She was deeply loved by all in return.
Jackie was an avid knitter and crocheter and has made clothing for everyone in her family. She enjoyed being a member of the St. William's Prayer Shawl group, making shawls for sick members of the parish. She was a bargain hunter and loved to shop at TJ Maxx, though she returned nearly as much as she bought. She looked forward to her weekly Bingo games at the Senior Center.
She was a lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins and even the neighbors could hear her cheering for the team on game night. She could barely sit in her chair when the Bruins needed a goal to win the game.
Jackie was an active parishioner at St. William's Church, being a Eucharistic Minister, a member of Sodality, volunteering at the church fair, and enjoying the activities of the Couples Club with her husband Jim. She made many lifelong friends through her activities at the church.
A devoted mother and unwavering pillar of faith, Jackie lived a life centered around her family and her deep spirituality. Her 66-year marriage to Jim was a testament to enduring love and companionship. A passionate advocate for her children, she was their biggest cheerleader, inspiring them to excel in sports and other endeavors. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and welcome, and her church community was an integral part of her life. In her later years, she provided selfless care to her husband during his illness and found immense joy in her role as a grandmother. A woman of extraordinary strength and compassion, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Patricia A. Pomerleau and her husband Gerald of Chelmsford, James F. Walsh, Jr. of Nashua, NH, Kevin M. Walsh and his partner Robin Fitzgerald of Lowell, Lawrence E. Walsh and his wife Cynthia of Bedford, Kathleen M. Noftle of Tewksbury, and Carolyn M. DeLucia and her husband Joseph of Tewksbury. She is the grandmother to Eric Pomerleau and his fiancé Katie Sena, Jenna Codyer and her husband Adam Codyer, Jennifer Pomerleau, Theresa Walsh and her husband Patrick Kenny, Kerry Ivy and her husband Vann, Bradley Pomerleau and his wife Dusty, Rebecca Walsh and her husband Ignacio Lopez, the late Alexandra Walsh, Timothy Walsh and his partner Paige McDonald, Dorothy Walsh, and Shane and Cody Mercuri. She is the great-grandmother to Maverick Pinney, Abel and Willow Codyer, River Pomerleau, Shyenne Grant-Ross, and Shakur Crawford.
Jackie is the sister of James L. Marsh of Wilmington and the late George F. Marsh and his late wife Leslie B. (Niederer). She was the sister-in-law of the late John “Binky” Walsh and his surviving wife Beatrice, and the late Patrick Walsh and his surviving wife Sheila.
She leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours are Monday, August 12, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street,
Tewksbury. Her funeral procession will begin on Tuesday, August 13, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed
by her Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38,
Tewksbury. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. In lieu of
flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA
01876.