Nancy Lee Walsh

Nancy Lee Walsh was born on May 9, 1937, to Bart and Mary Kelleher in Buffalo, NY. She passed away peacefully, in the company of her family on September 29, 2025.

Nancy is preceded in death by Bo (Jim), her husband of 53 years; her loving son, Tim; her parents, Bart and Mary; and her sisters, Mamie Kelleher and Ellen Murphy.

She is survived by her children, Jim (Wendy), Kelly, Kerry, Tracy Ahlbeck (Dirk) and Mike (Heather); her daughter-in-law, Mary; her 11 grandchildren, Kevin (Lily), Jimmy, Jack (Laura), Cait Bury (Tim), Tricia (Mason Conte), Emma Ahlbeck, Brendan Ahlbeck, Joe, Danny, Megan and Patrick; her 4 great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Rowan, Charlie and Mabel; and her brother, Bart Kelleher (Dorothy). She is also survived by a special group of people to whom she will always be Aunt Nancy.

Nancy was happiest surrounded by her family and many wonderful friends. She kept a well-stocked fridge and bar and was always prepared to welcome company. Visitors were treated like family. She enjoyed a good conversation and laugh but she didn't shy away from strong opinions or a healthy debate either. She figured that everyone was entitled to be wrong on occasion. It never diminished the love and friendship she had for them.

The Walsh kids were so blessed to have her as a mom. Our homes on Henry Ave. and Busse Hwy. were happy ones filled with wonderful memories thanks in large part to her. She was also a key player in the unpredictable and often hysterical events that happen in large families when things "occasionally" careen out of control. That became the really good stuff that turned into our family lore and filled our adult dinners with so much laughter.

As we celebrate her life, let's remember a motto she lived by: "There's always room for one more at the table."

Visitation will be held Monday, October 6th, from 9:30 until 11:30 AM at G.L. Hills Funeral Home in Des Plaines. The Celebration of Nancy's Life Mass will follow at 12:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Des Plaines on October 6th, at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Dementia Foundation, Catholic Charities, Suncrest Hospice, St. Jude’s.

For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003.