February 27th, 1924 - June 2nd, 2021
Bernadette Theresa Walsh (O’Connor) was born in Stayner, ON, February 27, 1924.
Bernadette was the youngest and last surviving of five children belonging to of Joseph & Catherine O’Connor.
She is predeceased by her Parents, Brothers Alban & Frank, Sisters Dorothy (Devlin) & Anastasia (Bibby)as well as her Husband Harold Walsh (2002)
After graduating from high school, Bernadette studied nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, ON. Upon graduation she began a lengthy career in nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital, University of Waterloo Health Services, various nursing homes and personal home care. It was a career Bernadette was proud of and able to maintain for many years while raising her family.
While studying at St. Mary’s hospital Bernadette met her life partner Harold Walsh. They married in 1946 in Barrie, ON and were together until Harold’s passing in 2002.
Bernadette and Harold’s family of 4 children Katherine, Mary Ann Lorentz (Mike), Michael (Pat) & William, grew to include 8 grand children and 7 great grand children, Bernadette cherished the times when they could visit or to view pictures. Though Bernadette cared deeply for all their grandchildren, there truly was a special bond and companionship with Grandson Timothy Lorentz. They brought great joy & love into each other lives.
Bernadette was fortunate to have had a healthy & happy life. She was a 40-year survivor of colon cancer, but otherwise healthy until the last two years as she entered her final stages of life. Her family rallied as much as possible to be with her and assist as she struggled with those changes and challenges. Bernadette’s struggles with dementia, loss of hearing and mobility, were especially difficult on her and were exasperated by the restrictions imposed by covid regulations. Through all this Bernadette was able to be find happiness and laughter (often at her own expense) with her children and the staff at University Gates.
Bernadette & Harold had a strong faith and were devoted Catholics. Bernadette was an active member for many years in the Catholic Women’s League and the Waterloo, Knights of Columbus. They developed many cherished and long-lasting relationships through out their lives and many in their involvement, first at St. Louis parish, then with the building and participation of St. Agnes parish. With Bernadette incredible health, she said good to most of their many lifelong friendships but was fortunate to still maintain a special friendship with Jim and Pat McCauley.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at University Gates, from Reception to the Downey Villages special team members for their care and compassion provided to Bernadette and family throughout this past year. As well a thank you to the staff at Beachwood Manor where Bernadette lived prior to LTC requirements.
Bernadette will sadly be missed from our day-to-day activities but will always be in our lives. There will be a invitation only visitation and funeral service for Bernadette. You are welcome to join us on line to celebrate her life and faith by streaming her service. The funeral service will take place on Monday June 7, 2021 at 2 pm at the Graham Giddy Funeral Home 617 King Street N in Waterloo ( 519-888-7700). For online streaming, donations or to leave a condolence, please visit www.grahmgiddyfh.com. Donations to the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Association or the Carmel of St. Joseph, would be a appreciated by the family. Please follow the link to stream the service at
http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/13914
