Joan Walsh

COLEBROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Mrs. Joan (Norton) Walsh, 83, formerly of Colebrook, New Hampshire, passed away early Friday morning, February 8, 2008, at the Grace Park Personal Care Facility in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Walsh was born on October 9, 1924, in Hackensack, N.J., daughter of the late Robert C. and Margaret (McCormack) Norton. Mrs. Walsh attended local schools in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., and graduated from Hasbrouck Heights High School in 1942. She attended Columbia University in New York City from 1947-1950, and received her B.A. degree in History from Lyndon State College in 1976. She received her Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College in 1985. Before her marriage to her late husband, Thomas M. Walsh, she worked in libraries in New Jersey and New York City. She served as the part-time school librarian for six years and as the full-time school librarian for Colebrook Elementary School and Colebrook Academy for 21 years. Following her retirement, she worked part-time at the Colebrook Public Library. Mrs. Walsh was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, holding the office of Auxiliary President for one year. She was also a member of the Colebrook Education Association, the New Hampshire Education Association, and National Education Association. She served as secretary of the Metallak Retired Teachers Association in Colebrook for six years, and was a member of the Area Resource Group and Colebrook Area Historical Society. She was also active as the Secretary of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coos County for two years and as a member of the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital Assembly of Overseers. An active reader, traveler, concert goer and walker, Mrs. Walsh also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed following their activities. Mrs. Walsh is survived by her daughter, Kerry W. Mattes of Budd Lake, NJ; two sons, Thomas M. Walsh, Jr. of Manchester, NH, and Mark D. Walsh and wife, Renee, of Bedford, NH; six grandchildren; a sister, Helen Bennett and husband, Robert, of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ; a sister-in-law, Nancy Walsh of Ramsey, NJ; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Walsh is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Thomas M. Walsh in 1977. At her request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook with The Reverend Craig Cheney officiating. An interment service will be held in the spring at St. Brendan’s Catholic Cemetery.

Joan Walsh

October 9, 1924 - February 8, 2008