Mary Ita Walsh

Mary Ita Moriarty Walsh passed away Saturday, March 10, 2012, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, March 14th 10:00 a.m., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, with burial following in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, March 13th, at McGilley State Line Chapel, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Harvesters BackSnack Program for Kids, P.O. Box 412233, Kansas City, MO, 64141.

Mary was born in Carrigeen, Brosna, Co. Kerry Ireland on March 23, 1915. Mary was the second oldest of nine children born to William Moriarty and Katie Downey Moriarty. Educated in Brosna and Waterford Ireland Mary continued her education in London, England. Mary then immigrated to the United States during World War II. After visiting her uncles in New York and Chicago she then settled in Kansas City area to be near her favorite uncles Father Patrick Downey and Monsignor John J. Downey. She took up residence in the rectory at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in the Westport area where Monsignor Downey was pastor for over 38 years.

On a return trip to Ireland to visit family she met her future husband Finn Walsh. Finn followed Mary to the USA and they were married at Our Lady of Good Counsel on September 16, 1948. Finn and Mary had eight children. Mary worked for the US Postal Services retiring in 1989. She spent her last few years at the Brookside Branch where she is still fondly remembered by the area residents. Mary was known for her great sense of humor and being the second home for many other Irish immigrants.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Finn, daughters Eileen Teresa (infant) and Janie Walsh Bednar. Also predeceasing her were her siblings, Rev. James J. Moriarty and Rev. Michael Moriarty, both whom served in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS, also brothers Patrick Moriarty, Daniel Moriarty and William Moriarty all of Co. Kerry Ireland, and sisters Elsie Roche and Lizzie Curtin, both of Ireland. Mary is survived by one sister Josie Hartnet of Ireland, and many nieces and nephews throughout Ireland, England and the United States.

Mary is survived by her children: Thomas John Walsh of KC, Mo, Kathleen Fasone (Michael) of Parkville, Mo, Patsy Walsh of Prairie Village, KS, Bill Walsh (Rhonda) of Kansas City, Mo, Sheila Meagher (Mike) of Kansas City, Mo., Michael Walsh of Mission, KS and Son-in-law, Curt Bednar of Overland Park, Ks. Mary was the only female to sit in multiple poker games with her sons and usually would end up the big winner. Mary was honored as the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the mid 1980’s and carried that honor with pride. She was fluent in the Gaelic, French and what she referred to as the King’s English. Mary had many talents known for story telling, Irish dancing and most of all her great humor, not to mention her driving ability. She was treasured by grandchildren: Shannon “Katie”Hullinger (Brandon), Joseph Meagher, Brian Meagher (Lucia) of New York, Teresa (Jason) Lingreen of St. Louis, Kyle Meagher, Liz Bednar, Erin Bednar, Caitlin Walsh, Finn Walsh and Liam Walsh and Great Grandchildren, Emma, Jack and Luke Hullinger. Mary Ita touched the lives of many throughout her lifetime and she helped, even by opening up her home to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews from Ireland to have the opportunity to share in the American Dream. Most especially among those would be her special family of Bill, Mick and Pat (Bridgena) Cahill. Also her very precious nieces Aileen Curtin Wertz and Norma Moriarty.

Many thanks to the staff of Bishop Spencer for their assistance in her later life. Mary Ita went to her reward with God (and her daughter Janie) March 10, 2012.