Mary B. Walsh

Mary B. (Pearson) Walsh of Downingtown, PA and Tucson, AZ, died on Thursday, June 2, at Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA. Born in St. Paul, MN, Mary B. was the daughter of the late Clyde and Bernice (Uptegrove) Pearson.  She was the beloved wife of James P. Walsh whom she met on a blind date.  They were married for almost 56 years.

Mary B. was a 1956 graduate of Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1960 from the College of St. Catherine, now St. Catherine University, and furthered her education by earning a Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco in 1966.

She began her nursing career as a Stewardess Nurse on the Northern Pacific Railroad, tending to passengers between Chicago and Seattle who needed wounds dressed and baby bottles warmed.  She acquired life-long skills dealing with the public during her four round trips a month.  On layovers in Seattle she worked at Cabrini Hospital.

Mary B. joined the faculty teaching Nursing at her Alma Mater and later worked setting up psychiatric units at hospitals in California, Texas and Pennsylvania before retiring from gainful employment in 1992.

She was an active member of St. Joseph Church in Downingtown where she lectored at Sunday Mass and captained the altar linens team for many years.  She loved to quilt and collected enough cotton fabric to make hundreds more quilts of all sizes.  One of her happiest memories was taking the whole family to Alaska so that they could check Alaska off their bucket list.  She and Jim had visited the state more than once.  Many countries in Western Europe and South America in addition to all 50 states provided Kodak moments she often relived.

In addition to Jim, Mary B. is survived by her two sons:  Timothy Andrew, husband of Lisa, of Exton, PA, and Daniel Patrick, husband of Kimberly, of Exeter, NH;  grandchildren Christopher, Jacqueline, Leah, Hailey and Mackenzie; and her brother, Cap Pearson, of Tucson, AZ.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 332 Manor Avenue, Downingtown.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM.  At Mary B.'s request, please wear something red.  She never liked seeing black at funerals. Those able to make the journey are invited to attend the committal service at 2 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

Memorial contributions in Mary B.'s name may be made to Bishop Shanahan High School, 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, PA 19335.

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