Marie Celine Walsh

Marie Celine Walsh, 86, of Springfield, passed away at 12:38 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at St. John's Hospice. Marie was born in Mullingar, Co. West Meath, Ireland. She was the first child of Peter and Annie Collins. In 1960, she married Michael Walsh in Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland. She was educated at St. Mary's Primary School and Sacred Heart Convent Secondary School, Westport Co. Mayo. Marie trained as a nurse and midwife at Manchester Hospitals in England. She worked as a midwife in England and Ireland until she married. Marie was active in St. Louise De Merillac Guild, Sangamon Co. Medical Auxillary, P.E.O., Altar & Rosary Society of Christ the King Church, and St. Joseph's Home Coterie. She was a volunteer for St. John's Hospice, was a Eucharistic minister, and took communion to sick people in the parish. She enjoyed all sports and was city champion in tennis at Washington Park for many years. Marie also played golf, bridge, and enjoyed camogie (Irish field hockey) in her youth. She was proud of her Irish step-dancing and won medals for it in competition. Marie was very social and loved people. No one remained a stranger for very long when she was around. She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Michael Collins. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Michael Walsh of Springfield; one son, Dr. James Walsh of Springfield; one daughter, Deirdre Marie (husband, James) Conran of Springfield; four grandchildren, Emma, Clare, Katie, and Liam; one brother, Peter C. Collins of Long Island, NY; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield with Rev. Joseph Ring, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Breadline, 430 North 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702; Kumler Outreach Ministries, 303 N. Grand Ave., East, Springfield, IL 62702; or Mini O' Beirne Crisis Nursery, 1011 North 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702.