Obituary of Barbara R. Walsh

BARBARA R. WALSH March 22, 1939 - December 30, 2012 Goshen, NY Barbara Rand Walsh, 73, of Goshen, NY, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, after a long battle with cancer. Barbara was born to the late Warren and Madeline Rand in Old Town, ME, on March 22, 1939. She grew up in Old Town, graduating from Old Town High School in 1957 and marrying Arthur Walsh of Bangor, ME, in 1958. Barbara's first career was as a full-time homemaker and mother. After leaving Maine, she and Art raised three young sons in Warwick, RI and later in New Windsor, NY, where they spent many years. In 1975, she began her second career in an administrative position at the Diamond Candle Corp. in Newburgh, NY. She later worked in the Civilian Personnel Office of the United States Military Academy. Barbara managed the Incentive Awards and Suggestion Programs at West Point and retired in 1997, after 20 years of service. Barbara (also affectionately known as Barb, Barbie, Mom and Nana) and Art were married for 51 years. She loved Art dearly and they were inseparable. They spent their last years together in Goshen, NY and could be seen together all the time - at church, Goshen Historic Track, restaurants, farmers' markets, antique shops, sporting events of all kinds, school functions, concerts, and historic places. Barbara took care of Art through his long illness, even as she fought her own battle with cancer at the same time. Her perseverance through those challenging years was an inspiration to everyone around her. Barbara's other great loves in life were her sons, their wives and her grandchildren. She was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother and she always put her family before herself. The positive lessons that she taught, by word and by example, will be passed down to future generations. Those who knew Barbara were moved by her kindness, devotion, strength, determination, talent, humor, wit, humility, faithfulness, patience and honesty. Her legacy will be the unconditional love that she gave to her family. Barbara will be missed dearly by many. Barbara was an active member of The Church of St. John the Evangelist, of Goshen. Survivors include three loving sons and daughters-in-law Stephen Walsh and wife, Carol, of Wethersfield, CT, David Walsh and wife, Gia, of Bronxville, NY, and William Walsh and wife, Nita, of Chatham, NJ; grandchildren Matthew, Brian, Andrew, Stephen, Veronica, John, Laura, and Thomas; siblings William Rand and his wife Gail of Old Saybrook, CT, Doris Dearing of Millinocket, ME, Bertrice Smith and her husband Walter of Southbridge, MA, and Caroline Coughlin of Greenfield, MA; sisters-in-law Nadia Rand Shirley of Old Town, ME, and Norma Rand of Veazie, ME; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Arthur Walsh; father and mother-in-law Ernest and Estelle Walsh; brothers James Rand and Warren Rand; brothers-in-law Dave Dearing and Paul Coughlin; and granddaughter Emily Walsh. Visitation will be Friday, January 4 from 5-8 pm at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church Street, Goshen. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 5 at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, 71 Murray Ave., Goshen. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen, NY. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com