Ann B. Walsh

Ann was born on Oct. 14, 1935, in Rochester, New York, to John and Therese Barrett. From her earliest days, her life was shaped by the steady foundation of her Catholic upbringing, her family’s values, and a natural ability to care for others. She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School and then from Rochester Business Institute. After school, Ann worked at CBS Radio in New York City. She lived in Long Island, Conesus Lake, and Brockport before settling in Mayville in 1972, where she raised her five children and lived out the rest of her days in the home she made so welcoming to all.

Ann carried her strong work ethic and generous spirit into every part of her life. She spent many years working at the Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human Services, where she was known for her dedication and compassion. After retiring, she continued to serve–working for several summers as a hostess at the Chautauqua Women’s Club and volunteering at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry and Thrift Shop. She was an active member of the Altar & Rosary Society, the Lions Club, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In recognition of her service, she was honored with the Axel W. Carlson Award in 2017 and was named an Outstanding Woman by USA Hospice. Ann never sought recognition, but her life of quiet, consistent generosity left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Ann’s Catholic faith was the center of her life–her compass, her strength, and her joy. She prayed the rosary faithfully, attended Mass regularly, and lived out the values she held dear: mercy, compassion, gratitude, and service. Her relationship with God was personal and unshakable, guiding how she loved, how she endured, and how she gave. Whether volunteering at her parish or offering quiet support to someone in need, Ann lived her beliefs with sincerity and grace.

She had a natural gift for making people feel at ease. Whether you were a longtime friend or a new face, you felt welcome in Ann’s presence. Her home was the heart of many gatherings, filled with laughter, comfort food, and the warmth of genuine connection. She had a quick wit and a knowing smile, often offering a perfectly timed remark that brought levity and light to any conversation.

To her family, she was simply “Nanny” — a steady and loving presence whose quiet leadership shaped generations. She was the devoted mother of five, a proud grandmother, and a cherished great-grandmother. She led not by words but by example — offering her time, her care, and her heart to those she loved. Her legacy is woven into every whispered prayer, every quiet act of love, and every story passed down with a smile.

Ann was preceded in death by her son, William “Billy” Walsh; her brother, Rev. William Barrett; and her parents, John and Therese Barrett.

She is survived by her beloved children, John (Kelly) Walsh of Illinois, Jill Vaillancourt of Bemus Point, Robert (Kate) Walsh of Florida, and Thomas (Sheiline) Walsh of Mayville. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Candice, Jillian, Alyssa, Bill, Julia, Allison, Dan, Joel, Jed, Jade, Joshua, and Jameson, and the cherished great-grandmother of 10. She also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who were blessed by her grace, humor, and unwavering devotion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of Lourdes in Mayville on June 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Mayville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to the St. Mary of Lourdes Altar & Rosary Society.

Ann’s was a life of devotion, strength, and joy. She showed us how to serve quietly, love deeply, and find laughter even in ordinary moments. We are better for having known her–and we carry her spirit forward with love and gratitude.

The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you and commend Chautauqua County Hospice for their commitment and compassion.

“Her life was a prayer, her love a gift, her joy a blessing.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.