Jeanne Marie Walsh

Jeanne was born at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. Predeceased by her loving husband, James Peter; eldest son, James Martin; parents Henry and Florence (Hamlin); siblings Rita, Henry, Francis, and Veronica; and grandchildren, Jennifer and Mark Flanagan. She is survived by her children Jeanne Marie, Stephen, Joanne, MaryJo, John, and Kathy, as well as grandchildren Tommy, Matthew, Michael, Mitchell, Maryellen, Derek, David, Stephen, Anna, Tara, Melanie, Kaitlin, Emily, Chrissie, and Owen; and great grandchildren Raymond, Eileen, and Adley; her husband's siblings, Richard and Rosemary, and their spouses, and predeceased by Bob and Corby.

Jeanne graduated St Cecilia's High School in Englewood. She, her sister Roni and her dearest friend, Rita, were cheerleaders for the school football team coached by the legendary Vince Lombardi, a story she always loved to share. She was employed by NJ Bell Telephone Company as an operator and later as a Service Representative where she met lifelong friends, Joan S. and Dot D.

She married the love of her life, James, in 1951 at St. Cecilia Church. While James attended Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmittsburg, MD, on the GI Bill, they had their first set of twins, Jimmy and Jeanne Marie. They subsequently settled in Englewood, NJ, where their son, Stephen was born in 1953. Following in 1954, there was another set of twins, Joanne and Marylo, John was born in 1958 and then Kathy in 1961. Seeking larger quarters, they moved to the quiet town of Harrington Park, which was inspired by their dear friends, Dot and Bill Durbeck. She lived in that home for the next 63 years, surrounded by many wonderful neighbors.

Mom always said that her walk with the Lord was prompted by her dear brother Frannie's own deep Catholic faith, who would walk her to church. Mom's faith journey was tested time and again, but it never wavered, always trusting in the Lord's grace with Eucharistic nourishment. Mom enjoyed being a member of the Catholic Daughters and Rosary Society. She was honored to be longtime a Eucharistic Minister at her beloved parish, Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park. Having proudly served as a US Marine, her husband was an active member of the American Legion Post 78 in Englewood. As a result, Mom was also active in the Women's Auxiliary until her passing.

In the late 60s, while vacationing in Maine, Mom and Dad and Rita and Hermie liked it so much that they decided to see about finding something which they could call their own. S & W Ranch, affectionately known as The Camp, was to become a vacation haven for the family for several generations. Fond memories were made by all who had the good fortune to suffer the black flies of May and the mosquitos of June, July, and August. There was a terrific crew of young men, sons, nephews and sons-in-law who transformed the tiny cabin into something special. They know who they are and can share their own tales. The Walshes, the Stellings, the Beauduys and the Haskells and their families all have their own wonderful experiences to remember.

After raising her first family and sending her children into the world, her daughter Kathy returned to the family home with her husband Sean, who was suffering a health crisis at the time, and infant daughter Kaitlin. They remained for many years, and Jeanne was a guiding light through Sean’s difficult path, as well as three more children, one born on the upstairs bedroom floor. Kathy's children experienced their grandmother’s boundless love and support throughout their lives. She never outgrew her “cheerleader” status from St. Cecelia’s, and was instrumental in supporting all her grandchildren in their many passions in sports, dance, art, and academics. She was the bright center of decades of family gatherings celebrating birthdays, Christenings, 1st communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings and family reunions. Mom loved hosting the holidays, bringing her great joy, surrounded by all her loved ones. Mom and Dad also enjoyed traveling to Italy, Ireland, Canada, and in the states. Jimmy, John and Mom, and her pal, Mickey Harold went on a wonderful cruise to Alaska in 1997.

She loved to dance, particularly at weddings, where she would spend most of the time on the dance floor. She could always find a willing partner. Her passion for the joy of dance was contagious and passed on to all around her, with plenty of time spent watching musicals, attending shows on Broadway with family, and eventually meeting Derek Hough, her favorite pro from Dancing With The Stars, who reminded her of Gene Kelly, one of her all-time favorite performers. Mom was able to get to see him in person a few times, gifts given to her from her granddaughter Chrissie. She even had a "meet and greet” one on one which thrilled her to no end, where she brought him to tears with her compliments. It was one of her fondest memories.

Besides dancing, Mom loved to sing. She would sing to us in the car on various road trips growing and then later sing along with any of her favorite singers. She sang for the Lord in church as well up until recently. If you never heard our mom sing you missed something beautiful.

Mom's Catholic faith was strong, sincere and filled with joy. Her relationship with the Lord is one she shared with as many people as she could, be they family, friends or strangers. She had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother and was able to travel to many shrines and sites in different parts of the world. She prayed for all of the priests of her parish and around the world. Whenever asked for advice, she encouraged you to “offer it up” to God, as He would know best how to help you through your struggles.

"God has always brought so many wonderful people into my life," she said most recently.

"My husband, my children and their children, my siblings, my in-laws, my friends, and new people every day." She knew she was blessed and we knew that we were blessed in knowing her too. Her life was defined by love, faith, and friendship, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, US, on March 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church, 150 Harriot Ave, Harrington Park, NJ 07640, US, on March 7, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430, US, on March 7, 2026, from 11:15 am to 11:30 am.