Marilynne Marie Walsh

(née Burgess), age 97, passed away at home in Willowick, Ohio on March 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. She lived a long, full life marked by curiosity, creativity, and deep devotion to family. She never gave up hope that she would not conquer just one more health obstacle or physical ailment that blocked her path from enjoying life, her family, and friends to the fullest. She was one determined woman! She was the former wife of the late James J. Walsh, loving mother of Jeffrey (wife Victoria), Susan and the late Jay (wife Eveline of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); devoted grandmother of Kevin and Keith; cherished daughter of the late Rachael Marie (née Austin) Burgess and late Harold Burgess (wife Hilda, deceased); dearest cousin to six who were surrogate siblings; dear aunt and great-aunt. Marilynne was born in Buffalo, New York on July 20, 1928. She was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1946, Hillsdale College in 1950, where she was a proud Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sister. She later earned her master's degree in Guidance Counseling from Cleveland State University. Marilynne was an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor in the Euclid Public School System for 26 years. She was named Outstanding Educator in 1987 and also a Jennings Scholar that same year. She had a positive impact on many lives as she mentored and counseled families and individuals as they battled substance abuse. "Let Go and Let God". She led special support groups for grieving children. During her retirement years, she volunteered for Hospice of the Western Reserve for 22 years, "retiring" a second time in 2020. She also touted that the thing she did best in her retirement years was lunch and dinner with friends and colleagues. The family is extremely grateful for all the compassionate and caring personnel of Hospice of the Western Reserve and special recognition to the Emerald Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Marilynne to Reserve Care Hospice (formerly Hospice of the Western Reserve) P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Marilynne at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4-6:30 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 6:30 PM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Private Burial at Lake View Cemetery. Online obituary and guestbook atwww.DeJohnCares.com