Her life was one of thoughtful deeds, just like her mother
THE death of Marianne Walsh, of Cloondara, Tralee, who passed away peacefully on July 14, 2018, deeply saddened her family and friends. Marianne was such a kind and caring person, who had given so much in life and had so much more to give.
Born on January 4, 1958, into a family of eight, she was the eldest daughter of Johnny and Elizabeth Walsh. She grew up in Fenit in her early years before the family moved to Cloondara, Oakpark, Tralee. She attended Presentation Primary School Tralee and then went to boarding school at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey for four years from 1971 - 1975, where she excelled in basketball and was a prefect.
After school, Marianne returned to Tralee and lived in the family home with her mum, Elizabeth, and was a great support for her and her sister Liz.
She worked in the family fashion store The Vogue for over 20 years, which was part of Walsh Brothers Ltd. The Vogue was well known as one of Munster’s fashion houses, stocking many British and European leading labels. Marianne had a wonderful ability in assisting people choosing the ideal outfit for their occasion.
Marianne had a great interest in sport and was always involved in activities, be it sailing, tennis, mountaineering or golf. Her father, Johnny Walsh, was one of the early members of Tralee Bay Sailing Club and Marianne was often seen in his company. Even after his death, Marianne’s love of the sea continued and she was involved in the club in the 70s and early 80s. She was also a member of Tralee Tennis Club and was involved when the first club was set up.
Marianne gave up sailing in the 80s when her mum introduced her to golf, which became a lifelong passion of hers. She and her mum were members of Tralee Golf Club and had many golfing holidays together. Friday evenings were often spent participating in the scrambles at Tralee Golf Club. She also had an interest in the junior golfers and often helped out.
Marianne had a great love of reading, and a particular interest in current affairs and genealogy. She was known for the warm welcome she extended to all the visiting relatives far and near.
She was a regular face on the Oakpark Road and often stopped to chat with neighbours and friends. She had a great love of Tralee and Kerry, and keenly followed the news of both.
“Her life was one of thoughtful deeds” reads her mum’s memorial card, and Marianne, like her mother Elizabeth, was known for her kindness and always being there for others. Her mother’s motto was “it is nice to be nice”, and those who knew Marianne will remember the kind deeds she did over the years.
Marianne is deeply missed by her sisters Brenda, Deirdre, Elizabeth and Alice and her brothers John and Anthony, her sisterin-laws, brother-in-laws, her cousins, her nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. She is predeceased by her brother Paul and her parents Johnny and Elizabeth Walsh. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Centre at Kerry University Hospital for the loving care they gave to Marianne.
May she rest in peace