Mary Helen Walsh,

MADISON- Mary Walsh, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Sept. 8, 2013, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1935, in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of William F. Nelson and Stella Hartigan. Mary married the love of her life, Robert C. “Sol” Walsh on Sept. 20, 1955. After graduating high school from Taylors Falls in Minn., she worked as an IBM operator. Mary was a great homemaker and caregiver throughout her life. In Mary’s spare time, she enjoyed traveling, gambling, especially bingo, and going to garage sales with her husband. She loved spending time with her family. Mary is survived by her children, Cecelia “Punkie” (Peter) Mueller, Bob Walsh, Rena (George) Yoder, Tom (Reigna) Walsh, and Teri (Scott) Schuricht; extended child, Kimmy (Ben) Woodstock; 16 grandchildren, “pippys”; six great-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Marlene) Nelson; two sisters, Lydie Welsch and Susie (Mike) Brimmer; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2011; three brothers; and a sister. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack and Father John Silva presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a rosary following, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, and also from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or American Kidney Foundation. The family would like to extend a special thank you the staff at the Wisconsin Dialysis Center, UW Hospital, Heartland Hospice, especially May, and her sister, Lydie. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420