Susan Walsh

Susan Stanley Walsh, born October 22, 1932; died June 1, 2019.  She was born in Davenport, Iowa to Arthur E. Stanley and Mary Louise (Voss) Myers.

Susan attended the Villa De Chantal, a Catholic girls’ high school in Rock Island, Illinois.  After graduating, she was admitted to Lake Forest College.  There, she met and fell in love with Charles Melville Walsh.

They graduated together in 1954, were married, and Susan embarked on a lifetime dedicated to her husband and her children. Children came early and often and when all was said and done, she had birthed and raised two girls and seven boys.

Susan had many talents and interests.  Chef (“busy day burgers”), chauffeur (40-50 years ahead of Uber and Lyft, driving for nine children and their activities), scholar, teacher (in addition to raising nine children she found time to teach special education at St. Anne’s School in Barrington for 19 years), politics, reading, traveling, and Vodka connoisseur.

She particularly treasured winters in Islamorada, Florida with her soulmate and love of 64 years, Chuck- reading, walking, tanning, and enjoying a beverage at sunset in the Keys.

Susan blessed so many with her character, personality, joy and love and she was loved deeply in return.

She maintained a deep, unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith until she was conscious no more.  Her last words before slipping into unconsciousness were spent reciting the Hail Mary with her family.  Susan will be deeply missed.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chuck. She is survived by her sister, Kathy Keyes (Bill), and her nine children, Michael (Janie), Charley (Michele), Kevin (Katharine), Stephen (Maura), Joseph (Helene), Katie (Paul), Matthew (Eileen), Andy (Lynda), and Susie.  She is also survived by 19 grandchildren: Brian, Erin (Christian), Lauren (Kevin), Charles Melville, Derek, Kameron, Kait (Kevin), Kelsey (Preston), Joseph, Megan, Patrick, Hannah, Michael, Laura (Ryan), Connor, Jack, Taylor, John, Charles, and four great grandchildren: Bella, Matilda, William, and Jude.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM, Wednesday, June 5, at Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 West Main Street (Lake-Cook Rd. ), Barrington.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 AM Thursday, June 6 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela Street, Barrington. There will be visitation at the Church from 9 AM until the service.  Private burial will follow.  There will be a reception at Biltmore Country Club, 160 Biltmore Dr., North Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul of the Cross Retreat House, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit, MI 48223, in honor of Susan Stanley Walsh.