Mary Louise Walsh

Mary L. Walsh

Mary Walsh of Hershey’s Mill, West Chester, passed away on October 2, 2017 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, James F. Walsh, daughter Jennifer Scanlon of Pittsburgh, sons Scott Walsh of Glenmoore and Michael Walsh (Hillary) of Harrisburg, and four adoring grandchildren Zane and Isabelle Walsh, and Alexandra and Connor Scanlon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Irene Fontana, and brothers Robert and Joseph Fontana.

Mary was born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Bayside, Queens.  She attended The Mary Louis Academy, and the Helen McAvoy Business School.  She began her career at Holiday magazine on Madison Avenue in New York, and over the years worked at Lederle Laboratories, The PQ Corporation, and for the past 15 years was a financial officer at her son’s business, J. Scott Catering in Malvern.

Mary and Jim met in Asbury Park, NJ in 1965 and were married April 1, 1967.  During their years together, they lived in Asbury Park, NJ, Richmond VA, Buffalo, NY, Valley Cottage, NY, and Strafford, PA, before moving to West Chester.  One of the treasures of living in various locations were the lifelong friendships made along the way.  Throughout her life, and especially in the last two years, Mary’s friends were a source of continued strength and support for her and for the entire family.

Mary loved to garden and take walks, was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling. Her greatest happiness was found in the times she and Jim spent with their children and grandchildren--who called her Nonna.  Those memories are cherished and they will all miss her dearly. 

A Celebration of Life Mass will take place on Tuesday, October 17, 11 A.M. at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Ct. West Chester, PA 19382.

Donations in Mary’s name can be made to Family Service of Chester County, 310 N. Matlack St. West Chester, PA 19380, where she formerly volunteered on the Board of Directors.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

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