Marie Susan (Shimkewicz) Walsh

Marie Susan Walsh, known to many simply as Marie, passed away on May 23, 2026, in Lowell, Massachusetts, of natural causes. She was born on October 19, 1931, in Elmwood Park, Illinois, and lived a long life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, her work, and her lifelong love of learning.

Marie was the daughter of Anton and Marie Shimkewicz and was later part of the family of Bruno Zewekis, her step-father, and Caroline Zewekis, her step-sister who was a true sister to her. She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Edmund Walsh, as well as her son Michael Steven Walsh, her son Mark Douglas Walsh, and her daughter-in-law Carmen Velez Walsh. Her passing is mourned by her children Margaret Ruth Walsh, Mary Catherine Halfmann, and Matthew James Walsh, as well as her daughter-in-law Juanita Diane Walsh. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Michael Walsh, Kathleen Walsh, Sean Walsh, and Alex Walsh, along with four great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her memory with love and pride.

Marie studied business at Loyola University of Chicago and carried that education into a life of responsibility and purpose. Her first work assignment was with the United States Government in Berlin, Germany, where she met the man who would become her husband, Edmund. It was also in Berlin that her oldest son, Michael, was born. That chapter of her life remained especially meaningful to her, and it reflected the strength, independence, and adaptability that would characterize her throughout her years.

Among her many interests, Marie was an avid reader. She enjoyed reading three newspapers a day and often read four or five books a week. Her favorite pastime was traveling from libraries to used bookstores in search of her latest treasure. This lifelong habit reflected both her curiosity and her delight in discovery. She was happiest when she had a book in hand or a new place to explore in search of something worth reading.

Marie’s life was one of devotion, resilience, and enduring affection for her family. She will be remembered for the care she gave, the example she set, and the love she shared so freely. Her family and friends will hold close the many memories of her kindness, her intelligence, and her unwavering presence in their lives. Though she is no longer with them, her legacy remains in the lives she touched and the family she helped shape.

May Marie Susan Walsh be remembered with gratitude and love. Her life was a blessing to those who knew her, and her memory will continue to be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to share in it.

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