Barbara Catherine Walsh

1931 - 2026

Barbara Catherine Sanford Walsh

July 31, 1931 - February 6, 2026

Barbara Catherine Sanford Walsh, 94, of Greenfield, IN, passed away on February 6, 2026, at home with her loving family. She was born on July 31, 1931, in Chicago, IL to the late Alfred and Dorothea (Rasch) Sanford. Barbara graduated from Calumet High School in 1949 in Chicago, IL. She married the love of her life, Frank J. Walsh on August 23, 1952

Barbara deeply understood the words "responsibility" and "hard work," and her lifelong example taught the children in her life to live by them, too. At the age of 17, she helped to support her family by working three jobs, including employment in the check-processing department of the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Chicago.

When she retired at age 76, she had been employed at Hancock Hospital for 14 years. Barbara was a parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield, an expert quilter, sports fan (Cubs, Bears, Pacers, and Colts), and loved Hallmark movies, reading, and games on her iPad. She cherished her family, and was a wise counselor and confidant to them and to her many friends.

Left to treasure Barbara's memory is her beloved sister, Dorothea; her ten children, Jeanette (Mark) Shively; Kathleen Free; Margaret (Rich Phelan) Walsh; Frank (Barbara) Walsh Jr.; Mary Grace Theodore; James (Hidemi) Walsh; Thomas Walsh; Michael Walsh (Elizabeth Burkett); Barbara (Clay) Brown; William Walsh; grandchildren, Amy; James; Joe (Kristin); Bryan; Megan (Evan); Kristin (Devin); Maggie (Kameren); Evan (Skylar); Ciara; Kyla; Bridget; Sloane; Kieran; Liam, Dylan and Brilynn, great-grandchildren, Abigail; Carter; Stella; Gemma; Frankie; Kash; Sullivan; KJ; Joey; Meara; Molly-Catherine.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Frank; her parents; her three brothers, Thomas, Gerald, Robert, great-grandchild, Ronan; two sons-in-law, Dr. Stephen Free and Peter Theodore.

Barbara had many special people in her life, including, beloved nieces and nephews, Misty G. Walsh, Brian McCarthy, ladies of the Senior Center Friday Quilt Group, members of The Night Owl Quilt Club, and her St. Michael's family.

Our Family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Stephen M. Shultz, the Staff of the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center and the Suburban Home Health Hospice Team for the extraordinary compassionate care and kindness.

Visitation for Barbara will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel of Greenfield, 1780 W. Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 519 Jefferson Blvd, Greenfield, IN 46140 with Fr. Aaron Jenkins presiding. Burial will immediately follow Mass at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, 621 S. State St, Greenfield, IN 46140.

Memorial Contributions in honor of Barbara can be made to City of Greenfield Senior Center, 280 Apple Street, Greenfield IN 46140.

If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com