Passings - 2024

Passings - 2020

Passings - 2018

Passings - 2014

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Sandra Jean Roman, born October 31, 1942, passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2025 after a short battle with cancer.

She was the loving daughter of the late Eugene Young and Verna (Slaney) of Brockton, MA. Sandra was married to the late Pedro ("Tony") Roman for more than 60 years. Sandra had four children including Peter and Tina, but was survived by her devoted sons Richard and Steven, and his wife Jill. She also leaves behind her beloved 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, as well as her niece Lauren, her husband Derek, and their two children. Sandra was very deeply loved by her family, and she will be remembered for her huge heart. - Services will be private.

 

Richard F. Kelley, age 83, of Mashpee, formerly of Rumford, RI, unexpectedly passed away at home on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Joan B. (Ramondetta) Kelley, to whom he was wed for thirty-five years.

Born in Brockton, MA on December 25, 1941, he was the loving son of the late Gordon F. and Claire R. (Scanlon) Kelley. Dick grew up in the City of Brockton and was a 1960 graduate of Brockton High School. He continued his education, attending Texas Christian University. Prior to retiring, Dick was employed as a sales representative at several companies including MacGray Services, Columbia Sporting Goods and Brunswick Corporation. A resident of Mashpee for the past three years, he formerly resided for thirty-two years in Rumford, RI. He was a communicant of Christ the King Church in Masphee and while residing in Rumford was a longtime parishioner of Saint Margaret’s Church.

As both a car buff and motorcycle enthusiast, Dick enjoyed caring for and driving his 1953 Packard as well as many different types of motorcycles over the years. In his younger days, Dick raced motorcycles at New England Dragway where he won many awards and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. Dick loved living on Cape Cod, enjoyed golfing and traveling with his wife Joan. He was an avid reader and will always be fondly remembered for telling stories, dedication to family, dry wit and remarkable sense of humor. Dick’s happiest times were those spent in the presence of his friends and loving family. The pleasure he received being a grandfather and great-grandfather was second-to-none.

In addition to beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted children, Kristine E. Owen and her husband Jonathan of Northborough, Scott G. Jones and his wife Deborah of Attleboro, Timothy P. Jones and his wife Kathleen of Smithfield, RI, Mark D. Jones and his partner K. Scott Groce of Chicago, IL and the late Jennifer L. Pizzo of Warwick, RI. He was the cherished grandfather of Kristina, Brady, Colin, Eily, Jillian, Xander and Liam, and the great grandfather of Joey and Adrian. He was the dear brother of Mary Donovan and her husband Jim of Bridgewater and the late Anne Smith and Kathy Angelo. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, November 21st from 5:00-8:00 P.M at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 22nd at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dick’s memory to the American Heart Association, 93 Worcester Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.

Tom Chew notified us that our classmate, John R. Blood has passed on to eternal life. (There was no current photograph available at the time this was posted to our BHS website, The included photograph is from our BHS 1960 Yearbook.) The following is his obituary:

John Russell "Russ" Blood, 84, of East Bridgewater, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025 at his home under the care of his family and hospice. He was the loving husband of Pamela A. (Minigan) Blood.

Born on May 13, 1941 in Brockton, he was the son of the late John R. and Olive I. (Denson) Blood. After high school, Russ enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War.

Russ worked for National Grid as a system operator.

In addition to his wife Pamela, Russ is survived by his sons Scott R. Blood and his wife Karen, Jeffrey D. Blood and his wife Lisa, and his grandchildren Melissa Blood and her husband Joseph O’Brien, Stephanie Blood, Stephen Blood, Jeffrey Blood, Jr., Briana Blood, and Ryker Blood; and a great-grandchild Kahlan Blood. He predeceased by an infant son Stephen R. Blood.

Calling hours in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main St., (Rt 28) West Bridgewater on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 4:00PM-7:00PM. Funeral services will be in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home on Thursday at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater.

Juudy Higgins Donohue, received information regarding the passing of our classmate Clair Levitan Odell. The following is her obituary.

Claire Barbara. Claire Barbara Odell, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of September 10, 2025, surrounded by family. After many years of strength and resilience, she passed from complications stemming from a rare neurodegenerative disorder. She was 83 years old.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Peter; her children, Robert and Michael (and Robert's wife, Francesca); her grandchildren, Emmy, Sabrina, Teddy, Harrison and Caroline; her sister, Jan; and countless other loving family members. Born in 1942 in Brockton, MA, Claire graduated from Brockton High School in 1960 and earned a degree from Simmons College in 1964. Her training as a physical therapist opened the door to a remarkable opportunity: together with Peter, she served in the U.S. Public Health Service, caring for the Choctaw and Cherokee communities in Talihina, Oklahoma.

After raising her children in New York City, she managed the office of her husband's ophthalmology practice for over 35 years. Claire was a gifted athlete who excelled on the tennis court. She was a top-ranked player in New England and served as president of the East Hampton Tennis Club. She had a fiery spirit and a generous heart, inspiring those who knew her with warmth, determination and humor. Her family, friends and neighbors will miss her deeply. There are no words...

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From the Family to BHS Class of 1960

Family: We are saddened to share the news that our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully overnight, surrounded by family after a long, fiercely fought battle with a rare degenerative illness.

We will be receiving guests at Michael’s home in East Hampton Saturday, September 13 from 4-7pm, and at Robert and Francesca’s home in New York City Apt. PH2,on Sunday, September 14 from 4-7pm and Monday, September 15 from 5-8pm. A burial for family and close friends will take place at Cedar Lawn Cemetery on Cooper Lane in East Hampton at 10am on Sunday morning.

Claire was a longtime supporter of the East Hampton Healthcare Foundation and of the Weill Cornell Department of Ophthalmology. Donations in her memory can be made at the following websites: East Hampton Healthcare Foundation and Weill Cornell Claire and Peter Odell, M.D., Clinical Fellowship in Ophthalmology (by selecting "Other Fund").

Thank you for all of your love and support.

The Odell Family

Judy Donohue Notified us that our classmate, Peter Nelson has passed on. The following is his obituary:

Peter Joseph Nelson, 83, beloved husband, father, uncle, friend, and "Papa," passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025. He will be remembered by an adoring family, including his loving wife of 59 years, Anne (Hannigan) Nelson, as well as countless others who were fortunate to know his warmth, charm, and great sense of humor.

Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts to Lawrence and Marguerite Nelson, Peter attended Brockton High School, where he made friends who would last throughout his life. After graduation, Peter served as a private in the Army National Guard artillery division, where he was an authorized M-1 rifle marksman. It was during this time that Peter began dating Anne, a fellow BHS classmate and the love of his life. After Peter's transfer to the reserves, Peter and Anne married in 1966 at Saint Edward's Catholic Church (now Saint Edith Stein Parish) in Brockton, beginning a beautiful life together filled with love and family.

Peter began his professional career as a stock runner at Baynes Electrical Supply Company in Brockton. A quick learner, he worked his way up to a sales position while studying at night for his Master Electrician's license exam. During these early years, he and Anne were blessed with two sons, Peter William and John Joseph. Tragically, John only survived a few days, and was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, beside the future resting place of his parents. Two years later, another blessing arrived with the birth of their third son, Sean Michael.

After passing his exam and becoming a licensed electrician, Peter moved his young family to Harwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod in 1971, where he began a highly-satisfying career as a self-employed electrician. He worked alongside a host of other tradesmen, and he and Anne developed many deep and long-lasting friendships, hosting legendary SuperBowl and New Year's Eve parties. They also soon welcomed into the world their fourth son, David Lawrence.

Peter's long and successful career as a self-employed electrician spanned over 50 years, affording his family a comfortable life and himself the freedom and time to coach his sons' Little League teams, play golf with his many buddies, and travel with his wife and friends. Peter finally retired in 2020, enabling him to fully enjoy his cherished grandchildren, and to help care for his dear wife, Anne.

Peter is survived by Anne, as well as his children Peter W. Nelson and Diane (Whelan) Nelson of Newport, RI; Sean M. Nelson and Nina Siegel of San Rafael, CA; David L. Nelson and Samantha M. Harvey of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; and beloved grandchildren Charles J. Nelson of Los Angeles, CA; Christopher J. Nelson of Newport, RI; Iris R. Nelson and Isaac A. Nelson of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; as well as brother Robert Michael Nelson and Eileen Nelson of Brockton, MA; sister-in-law Joanne Nelson of Brockton, MA; and sister-in-law Betty Nelson of Wells River, VT.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Peter's life on Friday, September 19th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont Street, Brockton. Family and friends are also invited to gather at 10 a.m. for a Celebration of Life memorial service which will be held on Saturday, September 20th at St Edith Stein Parish, 71 East Main Street, Brockton. There will be a burial to follow at nearby Calvary Cemetery in Brockton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Peter's memory.

Walter "Walt" Donila, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully on his birthday, August 29, 2025, in Peachtree City, Georgia. Born on August 29, 1942, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Walt led an inspiring life filled with dedication, passion, and love.

Walt's journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to family and country. He served with pride in the United States Air Force that included a year in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 during the conflict – a testament to his deep-seated patriotism and sense of duty. Following his service, Walt dedicated his professional career to Delta Air Lines, first as a mechanic and then eventually retiring in the mid-1990s as Lead Aircraft Maintenance Inspector. His diligent work and meticulous attention to detail earned him great respect and admiration from colleagues and friends.

Beyond his professional achievements, Walt had a zest for life that shone through his many interests. An avid golfer, he enjoyed spending countless hours on the course, perfecting his swing and savoring the camaraderie of the game. Ever curious and hands-on, he took great joy in rebuilding VW cars, crafting model airplanes, spending time at the gun range, and traveling the world as he visited several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Lithuania, and Italy. His home was a haven for large aquariums – some he built himself – and tropical fish and underwater plants, a testament to his appreciation for beauty and tranquility.

 

Walt embraced every opportunity to create joyous memories with family, friends and even strangers. A loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and loyal friend, Walt's heart was a source of warmth and strength for all who knew him. His strong values and generous spirit touched everyone around him.

 

He also had a motto that he lived by: No matter what you do in life, make sure the world is a little bit better when you leave than it was when you arrived. - Walt did that.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lila Donila, and his brother, Richard Donila. He leaves behind a cherished legacy in the hearts of his beloved wife Andrea Donila of 56 years, his children Mike and Timothy Donila, and his grandson Jonathan Donila. His cousin Paul Matthews, along with extended family and a wide circle of friends, will forever hold dear the moments spent with Walt. His life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an inspiration to us all.

 

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Peachtree City. You may meet at Mowell Funeral Home and follow in a procession to the cemetery or meet at the cemetery. Walt will be buried in the veteran Honor Garden. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the funeral home.

 

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to Special Olympics Georgia (6046 Financial Drive, Norcross, Ga, 30071 or www.specialolympicsga.org), and cards are welcome.

 

Tom Chew reported that our classmate, Frederick Solari, of Brockton, passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on April 11, 1942, Fred was the son of the late Clifton and Lydia (Brusseau) Solari.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret (Peggy) Solari and his four loving children: Dawn Solari, Frederick Solari Jr., Nicole Murphy and her husband Brian, and Julie Levesque. He also leaves behind Peggy's five children: Corey Joshua Phinney and his husband John, Loni Dwyer and her boyfriend Mike Carbone, Heather Dwyer, Courtney McElroy and her husband Jim, and Amber Nickerson and her husband Clifford. He was the beloved brother of Steven Solari and his wife Audrey, and the late Clifton (Kiki) Solari. In addition, he leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Brockton High School and Stonehill College, Fred went on to build a successful construction company. He was deeply passionate about his work and remained active on job sites right up until the end.

Family was at the heart of Fred's life. His children fondly remember summers at the family home on Nantasket Beach. He was an avid storyteller, loved playing cards with friends and cousins, and enjoyed country line dancing and roller skating. He had a passion for vintage car shows, casinos, and, above all, a good bargain, never missing a free buffet. His trips to Atlantic City with Peggy were the highlight of his later years.

Fred will be remembered in the faces of his children, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the warm home he built with Peggy. To know him was to love him, and he will be missed beyond measure.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Knollwood Memorial Park (321 High St, Canton, MA 02021).

Judy Higgins Donohue reporte that our classmate, Michael George Casieri, 82, passed away on January 9, 2025.

Born on October 15, 1942, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Santo and Pasqualina (Piscitelli) Casieri. While attending Brockton High School and working at Tedeschi's grocery store, he met the love of his life, Ellen. After graduating, he attended Bentley College and served in the United States Army Reserves. Michael's extensive climb on the corporate ladder included credit management for GE, Westinghouse Supply (which brought him to Connecticut), and MacDermid. He then opened his own business in 1985, Dynamark Security Centers, where he remained until his retirement in 2020.

Michael loved his Ellie, his family, his friends, his Red Sox, and all things St. Augustine. He enjoyed driving his Floridian Chariot to Florida but was just as excited to come home to rejoin his grandchildren in Maryland and Connecticut.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Ellen (Irving), his sister, Anna Blanchard, his children, Susan Maldonado and her husband, Jose, his son, Michael Casieri, and his daughter, Christina Smith and her husband, Scott. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Richard Irving II, Robert Irving, Terry Irving, Laureen (Blanchard) Ducharme, and Donald Blanchard II. He is predeceased by Ellen's brother, Richard, and parents David and Margaret (Brawders). His greatest joys were his grandchildren, David Maldonado, Christian Maldonado, Annabelle Smith and Catherine Smith.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Northeast Christians at Work, 30 Lafayette Square, Suite 118, Vernon, CT 06066.

Judy Higgins Donohue, reported that our clasmate, Lawrence "Luke" S. Willis, Jr., age 82, of Middleborough, formerly of Brockton, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his home.

Born in Brockton, he was the son of the late Marie (Dupree) & Lawrence Willis. Luke grew up and attended public schools in Brockton, including Brockton High School, where he was a standout athlete in baseball and hockey. He was a Brockton High School graduate, Class of 1960. Lawrence could fix anything, especially engines. For many years, he was a millwright, working on large machinery at Armstrong Industries formerly located in Braintree. In retirement, Luke enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; fishing and spending time with his family. He was a good man, cherished his family and he will be missed.

For 61 years, Lawrence was the beloved husband of Patricia (Donahue) Willis; loving father of Susan Willis & her wife Dora Elguezabal of North Andover and Stephen Willis & his wife Kathleen of North Andover; adored grandfather of Leah, Connor and Molly; and brother of Richard Willis of Brockton.

There will be NO visiting hours, and Funeral and Interment services are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lawrence's memory may be made to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/ALS Association at: www.als.org

For online condolences, please visit our website: www.ashleydrolettefuneralhome.com

Judy Higgins Donohue, reported that our classmate, Priscilla L. (Fisher) Ribis, 82, of South Yarmouth, passed away on May 5, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Matthew Ribis with whom she shared 52 years of love and companionship. No current photo was provided by the family, so Pricilla's yearbook photo was posted.

Born and raised in Brockton, Priscilla was the cherished daughter of Kenneth and Corrine Fisher. She graduated from Brockton High School in 1960. She held various positions in the banking industry, a shoe store, and serving with the Capitol police before finding her profession as a benefits administrator for the State of Massachusetts in Attleboro. It was there that she met Matthew and their journey through life together began. Just a month after meeting they became engaged with Priscilla choosing to wear her mother’s engagement ring. Matthew made the proposal unforgettable by purchasing a horse named Chester, a gesture that spoke to Priscilla’s love for animals.

The couple moved to New York where they spent 19 years building a life filled with love and animals. Among their many joys was their rooster, Buddy, whose presence brought a special charm to their home. Sadly, Chester the horse, passed away on April 1, 2000, but the time they shared together remained a cherished part of her life.

Priscilla and Matthew eventually retired to Cape Cod, embracing the coastal charm for 23 years. Priscilla found joy in gardening, caring for her beloved chickens and collecting Cape Cod novelties, particularly lighthouse figurines and beach themed treasures.

In addition to her husband, Matthew, Priscilla is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Fisher, Jr.

Judy Higgins Donohue reported that our classmate, Dorothy (Endler) Polsky has passed on to Eternal Life. Her brief obituary follows: (There was no current photo included, so we included only her yearbook photo.)

Dorothy (Endler) Polsky passed away Wednesday January 22, 2025 at the age of 82. She is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lillian Endler; and her husband of 59 years, Morton Polsky. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Chris) Dorsey and Susan Polsky. Dorothy had a passion for art and watercolor painting, loved animals, traveling and hosting international students.
Services and Interment will be held privately at Pittsford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Rochester and Finger Lakes Region or The Humane Society of Rochester in Dorothy's memory

Jane Venckauskas Reported that our classmate, William (Bill) McKeown passed into eternal life on April 4, 2025. The following is his obituary:

William M. McKeown of East Bridgewater passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025 at the age of 82. William was raised and educated in Brockton and attended Brockton High School with the class of 1960. After graduating he worked at Randy’s Shoe in Randolph. He later served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany as a radio repair technician. William was a bar manager for many years at various restaurants in the Brockton area. He worked at Shaw’s warehouse and also enjoyed many side jobs as a painter.

William enjoyed reading, especially mysteries and detective stories. He took pride in working in his yard and on his 1979 MG Midget while listening to classical music and enjoyed taking walks with his dog, Chick. William loved playing cribbage with friends and was a member of the Enterprise Club of Brockton and a lifetime member of The Commercial Club of East Bridgewater.

William was the loving father of Stacey McKeown of East Bridgewater, Danielle (McKeown) Gaffney, her husband Mark of Rockland and the late Michael McKeown. He was the cherished grandfather of Hunter and the brother of Sandra Lacy and Patricia Arapoff.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation in memory of William on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 1-3PM in the MacKinnon Funeral Home, Whitman. A private burial will take place at a later date in the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William M. McKeown, please visit our flower store.

Judy Higgins Donohue reported that our classmate, Marie E. (Therrien) Dunham has passed on to eternal life. The following is her obituary:

Marie E. (Therrien) Dunham, 83, longtime resident of Avon, passed away on March 18, 2025. Born and raised in Brockton, oldest daughter of the late Arthur and Helen (White) Therrien, she graduated from Brockton High School in 1960 and from Northeastern University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. For 40 years Marie was employed in the hematology department as a laboratory supervisor at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

In addition to being a devoted homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother, Marie was an active parishioner and CCD teacher at St. Michael Church, longtime PTA/Booster member with Avon Public Schools, and a member of the Avon Council on Aging. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, and caring for her many pets.

Marie was the beloved wife of Alan R. Dunham for 59 years, loving mother of Michelle E. Dunham of Brockton, Greg Dunham & his wife Loida of Mansfield, Christopher Dunham & his wife Paola of Newton, and Stephanie Lind of Avon, dear grandmother of Olivia, Alec, Maya, Jessica, and Matthew, and close sister of Jeanne Gadless of Florida and Janet Miele & her husband John of Plympton, and an aunt of many nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to calling hours Tuesday March 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St. Brockton, her funeral Wednesday March 26 at 9 a.m. from Waitt Funeral Home, funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church, Avon and burial at St. Michael Cemetery, Avon. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Livestreaming of Marie's funeral Mass will be available.

Judy Higgins Donohue reported that our classmate Robert D. Studley Jr., has passed on to eternal life. His obituary follows:

Robert D. Studley Jr. of East Bridgewater, passed away on March 5, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Judy Higgins Donohue found that our classmate, William (Bill) St. Lawrence has passed on to eternal life.... The following is his obituary:

William (Bill) Francis St. Lawrence of Sonoma, Calif., passed away on Jan. 30, 2024 after a long illness. He was born in Brockton, Mass., on Jan. 17, 1941, the youngest of four children of the late Margaret (Lynch) St. Lawrence and Charles St. Lawrence. Following the early death of his father, he was raised in Brockton by his mother and three of her siblings, Mary, Catherine, and Lawrence Lynch.

After graduating from Boston University with a BS in Engineering, he earned an M.S. in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and an MS and PhD in Earth Science from Montana State University with research focused on avalanches. He worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), in Hanover, New Hampshire, before moving to California, where he founded and ran Polar Alpine, Inc., an Arctic and alpine-focused research, engineering, and environmental monitoring company in Berkeley for more than 45 years-without ever losing his Boston accent.

In his younger years, Bill was an exceptional powder skier, and rock and mountain climber. The peaks he summitted included Denali in Alaska and multiple mountains in South America. In the late 1960s, with a battered blue VW van as his home base, he regularly scaled the sheer faces of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. In more recent years, Bill and his wife Ana Maria divided much of their time between Ana Maria's native El Salvador and their home in Sonoma, where they enjoyed making and consuming wine from their backyard vineyard and olive oil from their own olive trees.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 30-years, Ana Maria Dueñas of Sonoma and Berkeley; his son Andrew, wife Megan Kennedy and their daughters, Clara and Arden, of Bow, Wash.; his daughter Nicole and partner Scott Hargis of Oakland, Calif; his stepchildren Ximena Arestizabal and sons Tyler and Marcus; Gonzalo Arestizabal and his wife Kalene and their children Marcelo, Wallace, and Vivi; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Leo, and sisters, Margaret S. Carey, and Elizabeth (Betty) Walsh.