Sally K. WALSH

WALSH - Sally K. (nee Keating)
Of Buffalo, NY, July 9, 2023. At home, surrounded by her loving and appreciative family, peacefully, twelve days before her 101st birthday. Daughter of the late Theodore and Ursula Rogerson Keating; devoted to late sisters Betty Moseley and Winanne Keating; adoring wife of late husband John Walsh, Jr.; beloved mother of Jack (late Connie Shepard), Demi Ayres (late Rob Ayres), Michael (Debbie Sweet) and Barney (Amy Clifton); much adored and respected grandmother to Kyle & Blake Walsh; Ursie Ayres Ostrom (Tom Ostrom), Eliot Ayres & Meryl Ayres (Max Wall); Demi Walsh Boyack (Johnny Boyack) & Abbe Walsh (John Bartels); Sam Walsh, Ben Walsh (Dani Levy) & Lucas Walsh (fiancée Kelli Massey ); eight great-grandchildren: Alex & Julian Ostrom; Arlo Wall; Sally Boyack & Jack Bartels ; Jackson, Henry & Mac Walsh; affectionately remembered by twenty-seven nephews and nieces; eternally grateful for the affections of American Field Service exchange student "daughter" Marie-Anne Mallien. Educated at Campus School; graduate of Park School & Wheelock College; teacher; Former Trustee and 80 - year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Past president of Garret Club and Maria Love Boards; member, Children's Hospital Governing & Aid Boards; lifelong volunteer at Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Shamrock Hockey, United Way, Children's Hospital, Millard Fillmore Hospital & Park School. Honored by Maria Love (Founder's Award), Nichols (Honorary Alumna), Park School (Athletic Hall of Fame), United Way & NFJC. Proudly also assisted her husband's significant volunteer leadership efforts for Western New York. Raised children during husband's Navy service on subchaser and destroyer in both WWII and Korean War. Loved working with her hands: skilled craftswoman who generously gifted her creations to all she loved. Remarkably loyal attendance at children and grandchildren's performances. Sustained by family's cottage summers in Georgian Bay: peaceful retreat, myriad family activities and generational transfer of values to children and adults alike. Her family takes instruction from her genuine love and care for others; a life defined by generosity of spirit and attentiveness; never lost sight of her own good fortune in life, modesty evident in all she did; believed in listening before talking; friends repeatedly tell of her warming and inspiring treatment of them and for a breadth of reasons. Values shaped greatly by an orphaned mother who worked as servant employee in a private home. Grateful to her care givers, neighbors, current and departed dear friends and apartment staff for their affection, friendship and the richness of her life. While she will be deeply missed, her lessons will inspire us forever: strong handshakes- eye contact- smiles- courtesy- word is your bond- always give back. We must learn not to live without her but with the love she left behind. No prior visitation; graveside service private for immediate family; Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, October 7, 11am at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Delaware Ave. Memorials may be made to Park School (4625 Harlem Rd., Amherst, NY 14226) and Westminster Presbyterian Church (724 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209) or to another organization important to the donor.