Ann Groark Walsh

1932 - 2025

Ann Groark Walsh
February 10, 1932 - December 29, 2025
Ann Groark Walsh, 93, of Branford, passed away peacefully at her home on December 29, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the late John F. Walsh, to whom she was married for fifty-eight years.
Born in New Haven on February 10, 1932, Ann was the daughter of the late Dr. Joseph A. Groark and Mrs. Veronica Groark of Townsend Avenue. She attended Nathan Hale School and graduated from Laurelton Hall in Milford. After earning her degree from Saint Elizabeth College in New Jersey, she returned to New Haven to begin a lifelong career in education.
Ann lived in the same New Haven neighborhood for sixty years, raising her family on Kneeland and Raynham Rds. She was a descendant of the Groark family, who settled in New Haven in the early 1800s, and took great pride in her family's long history in the community.
Mrs. Walsh began teaching in 1953 at Wilbur Cross High School, where she taught English, History, and Latin. She later taught at Sheridan Junior High School and Fair Haven Middle School. Following her retirement in 1992, she continued teaching part-time at Saint Bernadette's School and at the New Haven Adult and Continuing Education Center, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and growth. Former students remember her as challenging and fun.
Throughout her life, Ann was deeply involved in civic, charitable, and faith-based organizations. She served multiple terms as president of the Catholic Charity League and was a devoted parishioner of St. Bernadette's Church in New Haven, where she served on numerous committees. Her service also included terms on the Boards of Directors of the Auxiliary Hospital of St. Raphael's and the New Haven Skating Club.
Ann was known for her gracious hospitality and love of entertaining; any gathering of friends or family brought her joy. She was admired for her impeccable style and, together with her husband, traveled extensively, embracing the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. Above all, the most important thing to Ann was her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.
She is survived by her children, Sheila Villano (John Villano) of Branford and Joseph Walsh (Liz Walsh) of Atlanta, Georgia; her grandchildren, Billy Riegelmann, Cindy Piscitello (Paul Piscitello), Erica Acampora (Michael Acampora), Charles Walsh (Lynsey Walsh), and Eleanor Walsh; and her great-grandchildren, PJ and Tyler Piscitello, and Natalie and Janelle Acampora.
Family and friends are invited to call at Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Road (Route 22 South at Route 80), North Branford, at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in New Haven. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.