Mary A. Marsh Walsh Messina

Born in Lynn, Mary was the daughter of Gerald and Margaret (Doyle) Marsh; the beloved wife of retired Lynn Fire Department Lieutenant Donald Messina of Lynn and the late William Walsh; the loving mother of Katherine Walsh and her husband, Ted Chapman of Topsfield, Elizabeth Swindell, and her husband, E. Peter of Danvers, William Walsh and his wife, Anne Marie (Dee) of Peabody, Daniel Walsh and his wife, Karen of Danvers, and Eileen Zimmerman and her husband, Douglas of Stratham, NH; the cherished grandmother of 14 grandchildren, Erin and Brendan Murphy, and his wife, Katharina, Elden, Eric, and Emily Swindell, Thomas, Kelly, and Shannon Walsh, Allie, Devan, Jaime, and Jessica Walsh, and Sam and Lauren Zimmerman, and 2 great-grandchildren, Keira and Heidi Murphy, who sadly will miss knowing her love, attention, and great care; the dear sister of Ilene Mallock and her husband, Robert of Homestead, Florida, John Marsh and his wife, Judy of Lynnfield, Helen Callahan of Danvers, and Joseph Marsh and his wife, Teddi of Canton, NY; close sister-in-law, Barbara Walsh of Danvers; also she is survived by Don’s children Maureen D'Entremont and her husband, James of Lynn, Kathleen Cohen and her husband, Fred of Danvers, Daniel Messina of Lynn, and Nancie DeJoie and her husband, Paul of Lynn, the late Mark, James, and Rocco Messina and the late Donna Bornstein and her husband, Kenneth Bornstein of Lynn; and 15 grandchildren and soon to be 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by, and the family would like to acknowledge, special, kind, loving, and generous people: Jacinta Maria of Peabody, her wonderful companion and beloved caregiver; Putnam Farm, her lovely home and their kind and compassionate team; Care Dimensions and their professional and dedicated caregivers; and Dr. Mark Messenger and Beth Gentleman: thank you for your home visits which were an incredible gift.

Mary graduated from Lynn English High School in Lynn, class of 1952. She worked with her late husband, William Walsh, at Walsh’s Garage for many years as the office manager. Mary then worked for the Rene Lamarre Company as office manager. She also worked for Receivables Management Corporation for several years.

Mary was adored by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She loved her family and friends with all her heart. Generous, capable, and incredibly talented, Mary skillfully created curtains, afghans, and mittens for her entire family. She faithfully attended recitals, sporting events, plays, graduations, and birthday parties. She knew her way around the kitchen and made world-famous spaghetti and meatballs and chocolate chip cookies which were frequently delivered piping hot to a lucky recipient! Christmas was a special time for Mary and her family and friends. She worked for weeks preparing her house for an open house party, baking day and night, creating a vast array of food, and organizing an assortment of wonderful gifts for the kids and the neighbors. Everyone departed on Christmas Eve packed with home-baked goodies. Sadly, the world is now missing one true rare gem of a woman.

We all love her and wish her peace.

Visiting hours with Mary’s family will be at CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Saturday, May 21st from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a short service in the funeral home. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Should family or friends desire, contributions may be sent to Care Dimensions, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923 or via www.caredimensions.org or the Alzheimer’s Association