Obituary for Rosemarie Walsh (Imundo)
It is with great sadness that the 'Walsh girls' announce the peaceful passing of Rosemarie Walsh on October 22, 2023, at the age of 94. However, we are comforted that she will be reunited with the love of her life, her late husband, Peter Walsh.
Rosemarie was born in the Bronx, NY, on May 19, 1929, to the late Mary (Carielli) and Joseph Imundo. She was married to the late Dr. Peter J. Walsh for over 70 years. Rosemarie is survived by her brother, Johnny Imundo, and was preceded in death by her brothers Victor and Joseph Imundo. She is survived by her five daughters: Kathleen Blaiklock, MaryEllen and her late husband Peter Kearns, Susan Walsh, Carole Ray, and Karen Westphal and her husband Mark Westphal. Rosemarie is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Bill Blaiklock, Peter Blaiklock, Sean Kearns and his wife Gabely Kearns, Kathleen Kearns, Christopher Ray and his wife Sarah Ray, Jessica Ray, John Ray, Catherine Ray, Vincent Westphal, Christa Trabucco and her husband Nick Trabucco, and Ritchie Westphal. In addition to her grandchildren, Rosemarie had five great-grandchildren: Sabrina and Ava Kearns, and Emma, Oliver, and Lucas Ray.
At the age of 20, Rosemarie embarked on her journey toward becoming a Medical Technician, enrolling at Payne Hall. After two years of dedicated study and hard work, she earned her certification, marking the beginning of her career at Women's Hospital. At 23, Rosemarie took a significant step in her personal life, marrying her sweetheart, Peter Walsh. A year later, they welcomed their first child into the world. Approaching her late 30s, Rosemarie found herself at the helm of a bustling household with five girls, ranging in age from newborn to 15. They were affectionately known as the 'Walsh girls' due to their high-pitched voices and endearing presence.
For over two decades, Rosemarie wholeheartedly embraced the role of a devoted mother, extending her responsibilities to lead a Girl Scout troop and tirelessly shuttling the 'Walsh girls' to swimming, piano, and dance lessons, in addition to countless other demands. Growing up as the eldest among three brothers toughened her character. Though her brothers playfully teased her as being 'a bit bossy,' Rosemarie's strength and determination from a young age molded her into a resilient woman capable of nurturing her large family and later achieving success as a business owner.
In her forties, Rose felt the need for a change of pace; her daughters were maturing, and she yearned for greater challenges. She returned to academia at Fairleigh Dickinson University alongside most of her daughters. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor's in Education, and subsequently graduated with her Master's in Education in 1989 alongside her daughter Karen. This incredible dedication to education and her role as a mother served as an inspiration to the entire family, filling them with pride.
Now in her mid-40’s, Rose co-opened a Montessori School in Bernardsville, NJ, for five years. In her early 50's, Rose embarked on a new journey and opened her own Montessori School with her husband, located in the Environmental Education Center in the heart of the Great Swamp. For the ensuing 31+ years, Rose assumed the roles of headmistress and teacher, tirelessly nurturing young minds. Her daughter, Carole, had the privilege of working alongside her for 21 years. Rose showed much love and compassion for the school and the students who came through, including seven of her grandkids. She was incredibly proud of the school's partnership with the Environmental Education Center, where naturalists engaged with students through nature walks and activities.
At 83, Rose decided to retire, closing the school to savor precious moments with her devoted and supportive husband, who had retired years before her. Although her life appeared to be filled with numerous time-consuming endeavors, it was far from all work and no play. Throughout their lives, Rose and her husband embarked on numerous vacations, exploring over 30 countries and countless destinations within the United States. For over three decades, they upheld the cherished tradition of gathering with all their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, either along the Jersey Shore or on the serene banks of Cayuga Lake. Rose remains an enduring source of inspiration for the generations of her family, whom she cherished deeply.
Visitation will be Saturday November 18, 2023 12:30 -2:00 PM at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ 07933. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Disposition is private.
It was Rosemarie’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of a donation to the Long Hill First Aid Squad. The professional and compassionate care they provided to her and her husband during their prolonged illnesses at
home were deeply appreciated. Long Hill First Aid Squad, PO Box 145, Gillette, NJ 07933
Rosemarie was born in the Bronx, NY, on May 19, 1929, to the late Mary (Carielli) and Joseph Imundo. She was married to the late Dr. Peter J. Walsh for over 70 years. Rosemarie is survived by her brother, Johnny Imundo, and was preceded in death by her brothers Victor and Joseph Imundo. She is survived by her five daughters: Kathleen Blaiklock, MaryEllen and her late husband Peter Kearns, Susan Walsh, Carole Ray, and Karen Westphal and her husband Mark Westphal. Rosemarie is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Bill Blaiklock, Peter Blaiklock, Sean Kearns and his wife Gabely Kearns, Kathleen Kearns, Christopher Ray and his wife Sarah Ray, Jessica Ray, John Ray, Catherine Ray, Vincent Westphal, Christa Trabucco and her husband Nick Trabucco, and Ritchie Westphal. In addition to her grandchildren, Rosemarie had five great-grandchildren: Sabrina and Ava Kearns, and Emma, Oliver, and Lucas Ray.
At the age of 20, Rosemarie embarked on her journey toward becoming a Medical Technician, enrolling at Payne Hall. After two years of dedicated study and hard work, she earned her certification, marking the beginning of her career at Women's Hospital. At 23, Rosemarie took a significant step in her personal life, marrying her sweetheart, Peter Walsh. A year later, they welcomed their first child into the world. Approaching her late 30s, Rosemarie found herself at the helm of a bustling household with five girls, ranging in age from newborn to 15. They were affectionately known as the 'Walsh girls' due to their high-pitched voices and endearing presence.
For over two decades, Rosemarie wholeheartedly embraced the role of a devoted mother, extending her responsibilities to lead a Girl Scout troop and tirelessly shuttling the 'Walsh girls' to swimming, piano, and dance lessons, in addition to countless other demands. Growing up as the eldest among three brothers toughened her character. Though her brothers playfully teased her as being 'a bit bossy,' Rosemarie's strength and determination from a young age molded her into a resilient woman capable of nurturing her large family and later achieving success as a business owner.
In her forties, Rose felt the need for a change of pace; her daughters were maturing, and she yearned for greater challenges. She returned to academia at Fairleigh Dickinson University alongside most of her daughters. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor's in Education, and subsequently graduated with her Master's in Education in 1989 alongside her daughter Karen. This incredible dedication to education and her role as a mother served as an inspiration to the entire family, filling them with pride.
Now in her mid-40’s, Rose co-opened a Montessori School in Bernardsville, NJ, for five years. In her early 50's, Rose embarked on a new journey and opened her own Montessori School with her husband, located in the Environmental Education Center in the heart of the Great Swamp. For the ensuing 31+ years, Rose assumed the roles of headmistress and teacher, tirelessly nurturing young minds. Her daughter, Carole, had the privilege of working alongside her for 21 years. Rose showed much love and compassion for the school and the students who came through, including seven of her grandkids. She was incredibly proud of the school's partnership with the Environmental Education Center, where naturalists engaged with students through nature walks and activities.
At 83, Rose decided to retire, closing the school to savor precious moments with her devoted and supportive husband, who had retired years before her. Although her life appeared to be filled with numerous time-consuming endeavors, it was far from all work and no play. Throughout their lives, Rose and her husband embarked on numerous vacations, exploring over 30 countries and countless destinations within the United States. For over three decades, they upheld the cherished tradition of gathering with all their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, either along the Jersey Shore or on the serene banks of Cayuga Lake. Rose remains an enduring source of inspiration for the generations of her family, whom she cherished deeply.
Visitation will be Saturday November 18, 2023 12:30 -2:00 PM at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ 07933. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Disposition is private.
It was Rosemarie’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of a donation to the Long Hill First Aid Squad. The professional and compassionate care they provided to her and her husband during their prolonged illnesses at
home were deeply appreciated. Long Hill First Aid Squad, PO Box 145, Gillette, NJ 07933