Eleanor M. Walsh

Eleanor M. Walsh, 88, of Lincoln, formerly of David City, died Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 3, 1928, Eleanor was the only child of James and Anne Shea. She was a finalist in the 1940 National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. (3rd place finish). She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1945 and Creighton University in 1949. She married Albert C. Walsh on June 13, 1949, and the couple had twelve children. Eleanor was active in many civic organizations, including Gretna Neighbors, American Legion Auxiliary (past State President), Gretna Public Library, and Gretna Woman’s Club. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Altar Society (Gretna) and taught grade school catechism. In David City, she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, the Perpetual Adoration community, and the Seminarian’s Club. She was also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Professionally, Eleanor was a licensed real estate and insurance agent, and her husband’s personal assistant in his many writing, publishing, and political activities.

Eleanor Walsh was preceded in death by her parents James and Anne Shea, her husband Albert, her two children Marion Michael and Frances Marian, one grandchild and two great grandchildren.

She is survived by seven daughters: Theresa (Lee) Miner, Margaret Anne Nielsen, Patricia (John) Rajewski, Elizabeth, Dorothy (John) Agnew, Mary (Scott) Buresh, and Virginia (Mark) Lundahl; three sons: John (Donna), Fr. Joseph, and Christopher (Barbara); 40 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated memorial gifts for the offering of Masses for the Poor Souls and to provide a memorial for the 400 wing of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, in honor of the nursing staff who cared for Eleanor for six and one half years. Memorial gifts may be sent to Chris and Barbara Walsh, 29111 Bluff Road, Murdock, Nebraska 68407.