WALSH, Mary Arlene (Riecken)
Arlene Walsh of Nanaimo, BC passed away peacefully?after a sudden illness in Nanaimo Regional Hospital?on September 17, 2007
She is survived by her children Donna (Kim) Hay, Lynn (Kerry) Davison and John (Susan) Walsh, her grandchildren, Aaron and Jocelyn Hay, Jenna and Emma Davison and John, Zachary, Maggie and Samuel Walsh, siblings Ardith (deceased), Beverly, Kaye, Paul and Guy as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arlene was born February 18, 1933 and raised on the family farm near Davidson, Saskatchewan, the oldest child of Eva and Hans Riecken. She moved to Cedar, BC at age 16 attending John Shaw High School and than working as a telephone operator and bank teller. She married John Walsh of Cedar August 23, 1952. They raised their family for a few years in Cedar before settling at home on Echo Valley Farm in Qualicum Beach. Later, she lived in Nanaimo and worked for many years at the Tally Ho Hotel, as the front desk receptionist, until her retirement.
Arlene took great pride in her family and home. She was a superb cook and talented seamstress with an attention to detail. She loved to read and do crosswords and was a real history buff. Her biggest joy was visiting with family and hearing about her grandchildren’s exploits. She lit up the room at family gatherings and will be dearly missed by them and all who knew her.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life?will be held Saturday, October 6, 2007?from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Stephens United Church Hall, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her name to: Haven House Society, PO Box 311, Nanaimo, BC.