Ann Walsh

Ann (Rowan) Walsh, age 75, died peacefully at home on August 5, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mullaghroe, County Mayo, Ireland in 1941, to her parents the late John and Kate Rowan. At the age of 19, she emigrated to the United States in search of more opportunities and a better life. Nearly 55 years ago, she married her husband, Thomas. They lived in Holyoke for a short time before moving to the Hungry Hill section of Springfield and then to Longmeadow. Annie is survived by her husband Thomas, a retired Springfield firefighter. She is also survived by her daughter Kathleen Walsh of Sturbridge, her daughter Margaret Sheehan and her son-in-law Paul of Longmeadow. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter Katie Sheehan. She also leaves her sister Margaret Cadigan of Holyoke, her brother Tony Rowan and his wife Mary of West Roxbury, MA, and her sister Bridget Rowan of Ireland. Her sister Mary and brother Jimmy predeceased her. She leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members here in the United States and in Ireland. She was predeceased by her beloved niece Mary McIntyre and also leaves two people that were very special to Annie, Michael (Francie) McIntyre and his wonderful daughter Jacquelynn of Longmeadow. Annie was a self-employed care-taker for many Springfield-area families, impacting the lives of the many people in her care. She also worked very hard renovating and repairing homes with her husband and through that dedication and hard work, she was able to create a wonderful and fulfilling life for herself and open up a world of opportunities for her daughters. She started with very little, but achieved a great deal. She represented everything that makes this country and the Irish community in the Springfield area so wonderful. She will be missed by many. Her family will receive friends on Monday, August 7th from 4-7 PM at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Her Funeral will begin on Tuesday, August 8th, 9:30 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM in St. Mary’s Church, Longmeadow. Burial will follow in Longmeadow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions would be made to WillPower Foundation at: WillPower Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1244, Northampton, MA 01061-1244 and the Dominican Nuns 1430 Riverdale St., West Springfield MA 01089.

---

 Service Information