Julia C. Walsh

Julia Christine Walsh (nee McLaughlin), age 101, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 16, 2019.  Julia was born on December 23,1917 in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second daughter of Helen and William McLaughlin. She attended Saint Vincent’s Elementary School and was a 1935 graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School. At Hallahan she was a member of the House of Representatives.  These students were trustworthy girls elected by their class because of their spirit of cooperation. Julia was also on the 1935 Class Committee, a group responsible for directing the social activities for the 1935 academic year. In the fall of 1935 she enrolled in a part time program for prospective teachers at the University of Pennsylvania. Around this time she began work at The Blum Store, a woman’s specialty shop in center city Philadelphia, as an assistant buyer. It was here that she became Judy. There was already another Julia in her department so her supervisor decided she should be called Judy.     In the early 1940’s Judy met her beloved husband, Jimmy (Big Jim) Walsh, at a party. She often said she met him in a revolving door and they had been going around together ever since. They married in 1942. Over the course of their marriage they were blessed with five children who survive her: Judy, Connie, Jim(Julie), Brian(Beth), Brendan(Patsy). She was the loving grandparent of six grandchildren: Tracy, Erin, Jake, Luke, Fiona, and Caleb. Judy was a positive force and supportive of her grandchildren in all their endeavors.     Her husband’s career as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation precipitated their move to California where they began raising their family. Big Jim’s job later took them back to Philadelphia where they continued raising their family.    As a parent, Judy was distinguished as the first president of the Mothers’ club of Ancillae Academy. While her children attended St. Alphonsus, she was popularly known as one of the best “Room Mothers” (1971-1973). According to her children, she was the Toll House chocolate chip cookie world champion.     Naturally giving, she helped others without consideration for herself. She donated to numerous charitable organizations.  She gently shared her understanding and love for God in ways that touched and helped many. Judy prepared food monthly for the residents of St. John’s Hospice in Center City.  She also volunteered at Birthright and Chestnut Hill Hospital.    Judy had a great love for the Mass and was a daily communicant for most of her life. She was a member of the Saint Alphonsus rosary group.    Judy had a significant impact on all who encountered her. What she did, she did well and with love. In so doing she made others feel accepted, valued and loved. She cherished being with her family who were her greatest pleasure.  We will continue to remember the twinkle in her eyes and her beautiful smile.    In the last year of her life she was supported by excellent caregivers from the Holy Redeemer Home Health and Hospice team. Specifically the family would like to thank Blanca, Leslie, Nancy, Joan, and  Dr. Karen Scheer for their loving care and support.    A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday May 24, 2019 at 10AM at St. Joseph's Church 16 S. Spring Garden St. Ambler, PA 19002.  Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation from 9-10AM at the church.  Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.    Memorial contributions may be made in Judy‘s name to Holy Redeemer  Home Care and Hospice, 12265 Townsend Rd. Suite 400 Phila 19154 www.holyredeemer or the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart 14500 Bustleton Ave. Phila 19116 (greynun.org).  Contributions can also be made to the charity of your choice or take the time to be kind.  It could make all the difference in someone’s day.