Rosellen A. (O'Brien) Walsh

Rosellen Anne (O’Brien) Walsh, 92, passed away December 17, 2017 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Cheshire, MA to the late Charles F. and Mary M. (McDonald) O’Brien, she was a Springfield resident for over eighty years and was a 1943 graduate of Technical High School. During WWII, she worked for the Springfield Armory and had also worked as a surgical tech at Springfield Hospital. On May 28, 1947, she married Francis N. Walsh, Jr. and together they had 5 children that they raised in the Pine Point neighborhood of Springfield.

Rosellen dedicated her life to God and her family. She was always there with advice or prayers for anyone in need. She had a love of all things Australia and at age 65 after hip surgery, she spent six weeks exploring the country and climbed Ayers Rock in the Australian outback. She spent her time with the locals preaching the word of Christ. She spoke to anyone she saw, and used that opportunity to either make them smile or lead them to Christ.

She was a fighter who stood up for what she believed and didn’t let anyone stand in her way. She was involved in politics and charities, she was a classically trained opera singer, and at the age of 90 she received her Black Belt. She was dedicated member of Christian Life Center.

She leaves 2 daughters, Danni Blume of Ludlow and Julie Baker and her husband Donald of Indian Orchard; a brother, Daniel O'Brien of Springfield; 8 beloved grandchildren, Walter Jr. and his wife Joy of Springfield, Charlie and his wife Chi of Ludlow, Julie and her partner John of East Longmeadow, John and his partner Luz of Springfield, Gary, Rosellen and her partner Carlos of Ludlow, Donny and his partner Danielle of Indian Orchard and Kaitlin and her husband Chris of East Longmeadow; 10 great-grandchildren: Julieanne, Sebastian, Erica, Kevin, Lauren, Nya, Lia, Ronin, Giana and Nicholas; 4 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, other family members and her beloved dachshund, Noodles. She also leaves behind countless others who called her mom or nanny, she touched the lives of so many people.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Francis Walsh; 3 sons, Francis III, Brien, and John Walsh; a brother, Charles O'Brien Jr. her grandson Gary and a great-great-grandson, Elijah.

A Home Going Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 1:00pm at Christian Life Center, 1590 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01118.

Arrangements are entrusted to Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services. For further details or to express online condolences, visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers,