Margaret S. Walsh, age 85, formerly of Glenview Street, Schnecksville PA, died Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at Fellowship Terrace, where she was a resident for the past 2½ years. Margaret was the wife of the late Herbert F. Walsh Jr.

Born in Kearny NJ, she was the daughter of Thomas J. Clark and Margarite O'Neil Clark. She was employed by NJ Bell Telephone before relocating to Pennsylvania. She was then employed by, and later retired from Bell of PA. Margaret was an active Member and past President of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a community service organization made up of retired Telecommunication Workers.

She was a Volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital for a number of years where she was the Thursday 'Friendly Visitor'. As such, she brought a smile and kind words to patients who needed it. Margaret was a Member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, and for several years served as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing communion to homebound parishioners.

She is survived by her Daughter Suzanne; several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; and a number of cherished, faithful Friends. She is predeceased in death by her oldest twin Sons, Joseph F. and Herbert F. III.

A Mass of a Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2006, in the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield PA. Family and Friends may Call 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Monday, in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville PA. A private entombment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make Contributions to the Hospice St. John, c/o the Funeral Home, PO Box 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.

As her daughter, I guess that I have the distinction of knowing her the longest, if not the best. Everyone who shared part of her life, viewed her life and accomplishments from a different prospective. I know she had some wonderful friends. One does not gain the loyalty of such friends without having earned it. That alone speaks volumes. To those of you who stayed by her side though the years, thank you on behalf of my mom. You are a tribute to her and her loving nature.

For me, this loss is so personal. Since my dad died, I have cared for my mom through difficult times. The last few years of her life were challenging for both of us. Health concerns coupled with the loss of my brothers accelerated her downslide. Though most of it, she remained positive.

My mom always subscribed to the idea that she needed to give something back. She did that though volunteerism with the hospital, church and telephone pioneers. I have fond memories of her as the hospital 'friendly visitor' and dressed as 'Woodsy the Owl" for the Telephone pioneers, visiting elementary schools. Many will remember my mom as a kind, giving person...

As her daughter, I pay tribute to her as a kind and gentle soul, good friend, and a loving mother. The most someone can do on this earth is to touch the lives of others in a lasting positive way. I hope my mom knew how successful she was.

She'll always be the best part of me.
Suzanne (daughter)
Saturday, March 25, 2006 7:26 PM EST