But the last family member is Dad.  Mom and Dad shared so much in those 37 years.  Whether it was working with the programs for the KC’s, volunteering here at Presentation, the trips to Hawaii, California, or the cruise of a lifetime.  Enjoying raising Terri and I – or at least they said so- and the joy of Lance’s birth and watching him grow into the man and father he is today.  They were the example of living the sacrament of marriage through their commitment to love, honor and treasure each other as they dealt with life on life’s term.  

I close with the line Terri used every time she walked through the door and headed in to see Mom - - HONEY, I’M HOME.

Today I see Mom at Heaven’s gate looking over her shoulder and waving goodbye to all of us and then seeing Dad for the first time in 34 years and saying - - HONEY, I’M HOME.

Thank you.


Mom’s faith was the cornerstone of everything she did.  When I first heard the Jesuits talk of Radical Hospitality I had to laugh.  They have nothing on the Gospel of Maureen as a way of raising children.  At the core of her gospel was the loving acceptance of each person for who they were as a fellow traveler in this world.  It didn’t mean that she wouldn’t give you a little motherly advice or challenge your behavior but in the end you knew the door was always open and a hug on the other side.  When you needed a place to stay folks were welcome as honored guests.  Some long term like her Mother-In-Law Grandma Helen -  they brought the story of Ruth to like in the 20th Century, or Aunt Winnie especially in the last two months of her life, Lance, Liam and for the last thirteen years Terri.  She started off as Mom’s roommate and became her loving, unselfish caregiver, or me when I couldn’t take care of myself after surgery.  It is very humbling to have your 80 plus year old Mom sit cross legged on the floor to put on your socks because you can’t.  

The verse from James:  FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD could really be on Mom’s coat of arms, there isn’t a task here are Presentation or in the Community she has not done.  Tutoring the first and second graders her at Presentation, lunchroom Grandmother, Mrs. Santa Claus, singing in the choir, Eucharistic Minister at Mass and at St. John’s Hospital and serving at every function.  Or her administrative talents as President of the Rosary Society, of the Parish Council working in the parish office or holding state and local positions in the Women’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.  All of this while working full time and raising a family.  Of note is that she won a perfect attendance award while working at Piper Jaffray, which was great in itself but that was also the year she was undergoing chemotherapy.



Good Morning.  I am Connie, Maureen’s oldest daughter.  On behalf of my sister Terri, my nephew Lance, and my great nephew Liam, I would like to thank you for joining us in the celebration of Mom’s life.

Many of you know Mom for the various roles she played or the positions she held but I’d like to focus on four amazing gifts or talents she shared with each of us in unique ways.

First is her gift of friendship.  Mom had an amazing capacity to not only make friends but to nurture and maintain them for years.  One friendship goes back over eighty years; some are or have already approached the fifty-year mark.  The “lunch bunch” has now grown to include the next generation.  There are still others that are relatively new, like the Eucharistic Ministers from Presentation or the health care staff at Dr. Magali’s clinic or the Allina Hospice staff.  She would remind us often that friends are a gift from God.  Always to be treasured.  She did this by making each person feel special, honoring or affirming their unique gifts.  She did this by supporting them with time and hugs often during stressful moments, with unique presents, meals or treats.  No two were ever alike.  

The next quality or value was Mom’s amazing gift of hospitality.  If you were ever in her home for a holiday you knew you were in for a treat.  The house was decorated starting with the front door…often the driveway, through the living room, kitchen, dining room, sunroom and even the bathrooms.  But no one could out do her love of Christmas with the Village of over 175 pieces.  Terri has inherited that task and to make sure it meets the Maureen Standards, she has pictures and her own instructional manual.  And of course we can’t forget St. Patrick’s Day and the First Cousins’ Party.  Each holiday was celebrated with a meal at the dining room table complete with linen tablecloth, matching napkins, crystal, silver and candles.  Mom did not know what Chinette or Red Solo cups were.



Connie and Terri, our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your loving mom. We are so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose Mom. You did a beautiful job caring for her all these years.  RIP Maureen. Love, Steve and Chris

I've known Mrs. Walsh almost all my life. She was a professional, working mom long before the term "working mom" was common. Always dressed impeccably in business attire.  However, she was the mom. Called me "Honey", her "other daughter".  What a kind, caring lady who loved to host parties, decorate for Christmas, golfing, her Irish heritage her friends but most of all her family. God Bless You and Hold You, Mrs.  Walsh! 

Morning Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Maureen is preceded in death by her Husband, Donald; Mother, Susan Dierckins; and Brother, Donald Dierckins.
She is survived by her Daughters, Connie Walsh and Terri Fontaine; Grandson, Lance Fontaine; and Great-Grandson, Liam Mandan-Fontaine.

OBITUARY

Maureen Patricia (Dierckins) Walsh

24 January, 1927 – 5 July, 2018

Wulff Funeral Home

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