Obituary for Elizabeth Ann Walsh
Elizabeth Ann Walsh, a Helena native, passed away on July 14, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital. She was born July 28, 1934 in Helena to parents, Vincent H. Walsh, an architect, and Margaret Haggarty Walsh. Elizabeth had three sisters: a twin who died at birth, Margaret Walsh and Ellen Walsh McGonigal of Helena.
Elizabeth attended and graduated from St. Helena’s Grade School, Cathedral High School and Holy Names College of Spokane, WA in 1957 with a B.A. Degree in Art and Liberal Arts. Elizabeth worked for 16 years in Spokane in the advertising field for various firms and agencies. She was a graphic artist for The Crescent Department Store, worked at S.C.S.A. a large Advertising Agency, and worked in newspaper and television advertising. She also did free lance artwork.
In Spokane she belonged to various clubs and organizations including the Eastern Washington Historical Society’s Art & Exhibit Committee, The Spokane Art Directors Club, the Press Club and Holy Names College Alumni Association. She also taught art privately.
In 1974 she returned to her home in Helena where she worked in various capacities including the MT State Purchasing Department, as a clerical typist, Administrative staff to the Dean of Students at Carroll College, and a Capitol Tour Guide for the Montana State Historical Society until she retired in 1996. She then taught as an art instructor for the Adult Education Program and the Helena Art Center. She was a member of the Original Governor’s Mansion Restoration Board and volunteered many years as a docent for the Montana Historical Society in Helena. She enjoyed painting, making greeting cards, writing and illustrating children’s books and designing book covers. Music and traveling were among her interests too.
Other volunteer work consisted of the Helena Community Concert Association, and collecting for the Heart, Cancer and Easter Seals Association fund drives.
She was an active member of the Catholic Church at St. Helena’s Cathedral for many years. She took pride in her faith. She served on the Art and Environment Committee and the Funeral Luncheon Committee.
Elizabeth loved her family, especially the love and companionship of her sister Margaret with whom she lived, and that of her sister & brother in law Ellen and Mike McGonigal and their family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent & Margaret and her sisters, Margaret Walsh and Ellen McGonigal. Survivors include nephews and nieces Michael McGonigal of Hailey Idaho, Mary Duede, Townsend, Patrick McGonigal, Anaconda, Ellen Osborne, Helena, and Tim McGonigal, Great Falls along with their spouses, families, and great – great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several cousins.
Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection cemetery. Memorials in Elizabeth’s name are suggested to the Montana Historical Society or the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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Susan Near says
Elizabeth was a wonderful lady and co-worker at the Montana Historical Society. All of us here grieve with you. Susan Near
Connie Vergine says
I have many memories of the Walsh sisters in years back. They were both a constant source of joy and happiness. They were wonderful ladies with great stories to share about Helena, the Cathedral, and the neighborhood. They also had conversation and cookies to anyone who stopped by to visit. Helena has lost a lovely Christian lady, and heaven has gained an Angel!!!
Rest in peace dear Elizabeth. I’ll bet your loved ones were right there when you joined them.
Kristi Reed says
I had the pleasure of spending time with Elizabeth and helping her after her sister’s passing. I very much enjoyed the time we spent drinking tea and she never let me leave without a cookie. A picture she painted and gave me as a gift hangs in my office which I will always cherish. She had a sweet kind soul.
Mary Sylvia Ferguson Judge, Great Falls, Mt. says
I knew Elizabeth for all of my life. We lived in the same neighborhood and attended St. Helena Grade School and Cathedral High School. I remember her sisters well too. They were extremely kind to my Mother in her later years taking her grocery shopping and then visiting her regularly when she was in the nursing home. She and her sisters were lovely, kind ladies and I am sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
I am saddened by the passing of Elizabeth. I worked with both her and Margaret at Carroll College. What great ladies they were. Always very kind and generous. Now they are together – in God’s hands.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary says
We Sisters of the Holy Names who taught Elizabeth Ann at Holy Names College, Spokane, send to each of you our sympathy and prayers at this time when her mortal life has changed to an eternal life. May you know her nearness often.