Obituary of Mary A. Walsh

Mary Ann (Mitzi) Walsh, 88, of Syracuse passed away in the early morning hours of May 7th at Loretto Health and Rehabilitation.  Born on May 5th, 1934 in Albany, NY, Mary was the oldest daughter of Hugo and Sally Ferris, who emigrated from Italy in the 1920's.

Mary spent her childhood years at 90 Myrtle Ave in Albany and attended Our Lady Help of Christians grammar school and graduated from Cathedral Academy in 1952 where she was a cheerleader.  Soon after graduation, Mary married her high school sweetheart, David, and began raising a family.  Once all four children were of school age, Mary began her secretarial career, first working in the NY State Legislature in Albany.  In 1969 the family relocated to Syracuse where Mary continued her career at Syracuse University working for many years in the Office of Student Affairs in Steele Hall.  After her retirement from the University, Mary worked at the Onondaga County Board of Elections as an Elections Clerk.

Mary was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner of Holy Family Church.  Mary never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and her personality and kindness made her easy to love.  Her strong commitment to her family was her most admirable trait.  She was a gentle soul, who liked to read, enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and adored all of God's creatures, especially dogs.

She is survived by her four children, Kathleen (James) Coughlin of Lexington, MA; David Walsh of Solvay, NY; Michael (Helen Kiggins) Walsh of Camillus, NY and Marianne Hanover of Camillus, NY.  She is also survived by grandchildren, Megan and Christopher Coughlin of Lexington, MA and Emily and Clare Walsh of Rochester, NY and by many nieces and nephews in the Albany area.

She is predeceased by her former husband, David in 2014, brother, John in 2014 and brother, Eugene in 2021.

Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, May 18th from 9AM to 10AM at Holy Family Church at 127 Chapel Drive in Syracuse.  A funeral mass will follow at 10AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York.