Patricia Walsh

Patricia (McCourt) Walsh, 73, of Worcester and Wells Beach, Maine, died Friday, June 19, 2009 at the U-Mass-Memorial Medical Center with her family by her side.

She was the wife of Joseph S. Walsh who died in 1981. She leaves five children, Joseph P. Walsh of Westborough, James M. and John E. Walsh of Worcester, Matthew S. Walsh and his wife Nancy of Auburn, and Lisa M. Walsh of Worcester. Her four grandchildren Katie, Joe, Kara and Colleen Walsh were always by her side and were the light of her life. She also leaves many nieces and nephews especially Nancy Gingras, Mary Maroney and Lynne Walsh Starbard. Her brother James McCourt predeceased her.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of James F. and M. Elizabeth (Rourke) McCourt and grew up on Grafton Hill where she established many life-long friendships. She graduated from St. Stephen's High School and Worcester State College, and taught at Dartmouth Street School before becoming a congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Joseph D. Early for 18 years, retiring in 1993.

She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Queens and the Dinettes. "Nana Pat" enjoyed summers in Maine for over forty years where she established the Beach Acres Compound for generations to come. She loved all things Irish and cherished teaching the Irish heritage to her grandchildren.

Calling hours are Sunday, June 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Monday, June 22 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 341 June St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joseph S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund, Holy Name High School, 144 Granite St., Worcester 01604.