Joan Marie Walsh

Joan Marie (Connor) Walsh, age 87, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. Born in Boston Massachusetts on January 27, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Nora (Shea) Connor. Sister to the late John Connor (formerly of Hudson, MA) and Fr. Martin Connor (Boston, MA). Joan was raised in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and graduated from Cathedral High School in the South End with the class of 1955.

Joan married the love of her life, Paul Walsh (Roslindale, MA), on June 27, 1965, in Saint Ambrose Church in Dorchester. Paul was one of 9 boys and so there was always family around. The young couple started their life together in Dorchester before purchasing a home in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston in the late 1960's. They remained in the city until the mid 1970's when they moved to the suburbs, landing in Norwood, Massachusetts, purchasing a home that could accommodate their growing family. They had completed 62 years of marriage before Joan’s passing.

Joan was very engaged in her sons’ lives, taking Kevin and Michael to football or swimming competitions, Scouts, school theater and keeping up with all the activities that they participated in at Saint Catherine's School in Norwood and Catholic Memorial HS in West Roxbury. A home maker for the majority of her life, Joan ensured that her house was kept in tip top shape and her family's lives well organized. She took pride in her home and had an excellent eye for decor, tastefully decorating for every holiday and seasonal change. As her children grew older, Joan began to nanny for Victor and Lisa Delvecchio at their home in Canton. For over twenty years, Joan was a staple in the Delvecchio household, watching over Alexis, Nicholas, and Dana, who became the dearest of family to her.

The "Ice Cream Queen of Boston", Joan loved any excuse to grab a cone, especially after a day at the beach. There was no sleeping in during the summer at the Walsh home as Joan would have the PB&Js packed and the family out the door early to get prime parking and spots on the sand at Nantasket Beach. She made the drive every day, savoring the feel of the sand under her feet, the ocean spray on her skin, and the opportunity to grab a soft serve cone on the way home. In her free time, Joan enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was known for her pop-in visits, always ready to stop by and say hi to someone she loved. Joan also enjoyed fashion and style, curating quite a collection of outfits for every season and occasion.

Beloved wife of Paul Walsh, retired firefighter, formerly of Roslindale, MA.

Loving mother of Kevin Walsh of Provincetown, and Michael Walsh and his wife Jennifer of Mansfield.

Cherished grandmother of Connor, Brendan, and Tori Walsh.

Sister of the late Jack Connor and his late wife Eleanor, and the late Father Martin Connor.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joan's Life Celebration on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, at 10:30 AM. Interment will occur privately at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joan's name may be made to the Clergy Trust at the Regina Cleri Residence at Clergy Trust Office, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184 or by visiting https://clergytrust.org/ways-to-give/#online