Dorothy V. Walsh

Dorothy Virginia Walsh, 90, departed this life on January 27, 2010 at home after a short illness. The long time West Branch resident was born May 12, 1919 in Detroit. She was the daughter of Florence and Harry Twomey. She moved to West Branch in 1945 so that her husband John could manage his brother-in-law's Ogemaw Hills Hotel. She raised her four sons in West Branch and chose to live independently after John died in 1976. Dorothy was an avid gardener and lovingly tended her plants and flowers. She remained active her entire 90 years by participating in a variety of activities including swimming, boating, cards, bowling, and supporting her sons' sporting activities at West Branch High School--even shoveling snow when needed. She traveled extensively and at every opportunity and especially enjoyed Las Vegas and her favorite slot machines. Dorothy was a wonderful and wise listener and provided loving care and advice for her children. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday with reminiscing, laughter, and joy with many friends and family. Her hearty quick laugh was always welcomed. She leaves a large family who will dearly miss her presence. They include her sons, David G. Walsh (Ruthann Thurnme); John R.Walsh, Jr. (Donna Pekrul); Richard P. Walsh (Debbie Lanczak) and Brian N. Walsh (Lisa Meiser), Grandchildren: Rand Walsh (Marika Pyle); Scott P. Walsh; David R. Walsh; Diana (Walsh) Bissonette (Bradley); Michael J. Walsh (Tammi Lynn Krawczyk) Karen (Walsh) Hall (Francis); Christine (Walsh) Killen (Bill); Stephanie Walsh; Stacey Walsh, Jennifer (Walsh) Baxendale (Ed Villwock); Brandon Walsh, Briana Walsh, Chelsea Walsh: Great Grandchildren: Joseph Walsh, Jessica Walsh, Ashley Walsh, Tanner John Bissonette, Savanna Bissonette, Kathleen Walsh and Scott Bell, Elise Hall, Aidan Hall, Ashley(Gianfortuna)Parker, David Gianfortuna (Maggie), Sara Walsh (Steve Johnson), Brett Baxendale, Noelle Walsh, Jared Armstrong (Tracy), Austin Krawczyk and Alex Krawczyk and Great-Great Grandchildren: Charlotte Bell, Kollin Candy, Nevaeh Walsh, Rayne Johnson, Shane Johnson, Elijah Gianfortuna, Kadance Gianfortuna, Ethan Pennington and Logan Parker. Remembrances may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, Humane Society, or the charity of your choice. The Funeral will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, January 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.