Mary Ann Walsh (Molly)

Kind, Loving, Generous and Wise, Molly was a social activist with deep roots. Committed to Peace, women's rights and the environment, throughout her life she was a strong agent of change. Her involvement in multiple organisations had a galvanizing Ripple effect that continues to have an impact to this day.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Francis Joseph and Elizabeth Walsh, MOlly quickly followed Jane her identical twin into the World.

Frank and Liz lived in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago described as ''A place of wide Lawns and narrow minds'' by Ernest Hemingway who grew up nearby. This was soon to change at least at 245 Clinton Avenue, where children had a voice and the house became a neighborhood hub of acceptance and conviviality.

Soon, a younger sister, Johanna entered the scene and the stage was set for a happy childhood. Boisterous at times, filled with warm memories, accompanied by adventures and picnics, navigating the various mishaps and triumphs of a loving family life. The core values of the Walsh clan have percolated down through the generations and are present and valued to this day.

Following studies at Grinell College in Iowa Molly found herself working as a flight attendant for a blossoming Aviation Industry and spent two years flying to various National and International destinations. It was during this time that her love for travel formative years was deeply ingrained and since those for mative years Molly has travelled all over the World. It was also during this time of discovery that Molly met David Miller a graduate student at Harvard University School and the two married on June 13, 1959. 2 sons were born, Gregor Patrick in April 1960, followed by Michael Canavan in 1962.

It was a happy time for the young family moving from Boston to Bhubanswar in India, then to Cleveland, Ohio, familly landing in Montreal in 1970.

Molly work as a children's librarian and David taught comparative religion at Sir George Williams University.

Sadly, the marriage was not to last and the two were divorced in 1974. Despite becoming a single mother of two growing boys, Molly achieved a master's degree in Library Science and became a pillar in Montreal's Library Community.

Molly is survived by her sister Jane, her son Michael, and four grandchildren on Greg's side, Myra Kayla, Russell and Malika. Gregor Patrick predeceased Molly in 2016 and her younger sister Johanna passed in 2019.

The family is grateful for the wonderful and devoted caregivers who loved Molly and took such good care of her for the last seven years, with special thanks to Pam, and to Bonnie for helping Molly to remain autonomous and living as full a life as was possible.

A service will be held on Friday, June 28th at 5pm at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White funeral homes Chapel, 5610 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal. You can view the ceremony live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/94982

tIn lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Molly’s name at your local food bank or woman’s resource centre.