Grace Elizabeth Walsh
December 20, 1927 — September 27, 2024
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Service Details
Grace Elizabeth Walsh, 96, passed away Friday, September 27, 2024 at Wesley on Grand.
Grace was born December 20, 1927 to Hilda and Clark McNeal in Clarion, Iowa. She attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa and graduated with degrees in Drama and Teaching.
Grace met her husband, Robert J. Walsh on a blind date and they were married in February, 1952. She was very active in the many churches she was part of throughout her life. Peace advocacy was very important to her and she was instrumental in having the play, “Peace Child” performed at the Des Moines Playhouse in the 1990’s. She always had a positive attitude toward whatever life threw her.
She is survived by her son, John; cousins, Sherm and Allison McNeal (Grace and Lucia), Chris and Greg Armstrong (Frasier and Meg), Ty and Roberta McNeal, and Dave and Judy McNeal, (Jonathon and Jennifer)
She was preceded in death by her mother, Hilda; father, Clark; brother, Clark; sister, Helen; and husband, Robert J. Walsh.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa with visitation one hour prior. Burial immediately following the service at Resthaven Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Plymouth Church General Fund in loving memory of Grace.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Joyce Templeman
10/09/2024
Grace was one of my dearest long-time family friends. We met at Valley UMC in 1976 where she was the choir director and initiated and directed plays at the Dessert Theater, plus took part in the family cluster program. Her enthusiasm and energy rubbed off onto everyone who knew her. In her later years, I regularly enjoyed “tea and crumpets” at her home, where we enjoyed many lively conversations about our alma mater Cornell College, plus many other topics. Grace will always be in my heart. Rest in peace, friend.
Thomas Walsh
10/08/2024
Aunt Grace enlivened every day, every person, every time. Laughing, smiling and singing. No person was so well named.
Barb Walsh
10/06/2024
Aunt Grace was her own unique person who always carried with her such vitality, humor, heart and the ever present smile. The first thing I always noticed when I'd see Grace was that sparkle in the eyes smile of hers. Inevitably followed by laughter.
Jan Kirk
10/04/2024
At one time, Grace was my “backyard neighbor” who was always so vibrant, full of cheer and great conversation! Approximately 33 years ago, she came to my daughter’s 3rd birthday party and had so much fun with all the children! Around that time also, at age 30, I came down with the Chickenpox. I was a single mother and called Grace who dropped everything and ran over to get my daughter so I could get settled for what was ahead of me. Grace was so nurturing and concerned. And she was “on board” when my daughter came down with the Chickenpox next. I’ll never forget Grace. She was a real gem of a lady!