Mary M. Welsh, 84, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident passed away on Friday, October 6, 2006 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
She was born on December 10, 1921 in Riverside, California, the daughter of Ora & Lola Stinchfield Walker. She was raised and attended grade school in Riverside until the family moved to Chico, CA where she graduated from high school. She then returned to Riverside where she enrolled in a nursing program and where she met her future husband, Tom Welsh. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1941. In 1944 she moved to Bow, WA when Tom was shipped overseas during WW II. After his discharge and return they moved to Concrete, living there until settling in Sedro-Woolley in 1950.
Mary was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She also devoted much of her time to the American Legion Auxiliary where she was a member of 8 and 40 and her talents at knitting, crocheting and making quilts and lap robes benefited many veterans and veteran organizations. She was also involved with the Rebecca Lodge and local bowling leagues and enjoyed dancing and playing cards; but her favorite time was during the 4th of July where family, friends and strangers would gather at their home for food, fireworks and friendship.
Mary is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Tom of Mount Vernon. Her children, Jackie Angleton and husband Lynn of Jerseyville, IL, Dan Welsh and partner Denise Hughey of Mount Vernon, Mike Welsh and wife Patricia of Cameron Park, CA and Bill Welsh and wife Barbara of Arlington, WA. 1 brother, Bill Walker and wife Candy of Woodland, CA and 1 sister, Violet Olinghouse of Citrus Heights, CA. 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mabel Odneal.
The family request memorials be made to the Skagit County Kidney Center or the American Heart Association.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 4:00 pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.