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. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Elizabeth.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Brondel Center of the Catherdal
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Brondel Center of the Catherdal
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday July 20, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
jo Berg and Mark Smith says
We have so missed having both Margaret and Elizabeth in the neighborhood. We enjoyed visiting as they were out and about and appreciated the charming visits. Reading Elizabeth’s obituary gave me additional insights into her life. What an interesting past!
Our condolences to her family and friends.