Maria B. Walsh

Maria B Walsh, nee Schuster, 92, a longtime resident of Bergenfield, NJ, passed away on October 1, 2023, in Sarasota Florida with family by her side.

Maria was pre-deceased by her husband of 44 years, Joseph M Walsh, parents John and Maria Schuster, and beloved grandson Kevin Walsh.  She is survived by her sons Joseph Walsh (wife Margaret), Richard Walsh (wife Eileen), Robert Walsh (wife Deborah) and John Walsh (wife Ruslana); grandchildren Meghan Froton (husband Garrett) and Katie Walsh; many loved nieces and nephews; and cherished friends.

Born on January 17, 1931 in Senndorf, a Saxon region of Romania, she left her home as a young girl with her mother and the rest of her farming community due to invading forces during WWII.  Unable to return to Senndorf, she and her mother immigrated to the United States and found work in New York City where she later met and married Joseph.  They resided in the Bronx for many years before settling in Bergenfield to raise their family.

Maria spoke German (her first language) fluently but also, Hungarian, Austrian, and Romanian. She learned English upon her arrival in the United States and enjoyed solving the Jumble in the Bergen Record, daily, for years.  Maria loved singing and was often asked to sing at family events.

An active parishioner of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bergenfield, NJ, Maria served in the Adult Choir (on occasion, soloist), the Rosary Society, the Lazarus Society and was honored for her service by the Archdiocese of Newark’s National Council of Catholic Women. Sewing Baptismal baby bibs for the Church was an activity of special joy for her.

Maria was always ‘on the go’.  Caring for the family; professional tailoring/upholstery and housekeeping; tending her garden filled with beautiful flowers (particularly roses); needlework, bowling; square dancing; Scrabble Club and Golden Age Club. She was twice, Winner of the Year for the Bergenfield Garden Club.  She was well known for her baking (Christmas cookies and Irish Soda bread) but more so for the love she poured into each delicious, baked creation.

Always the first to lend a hand to anyone in need, her house was open and welcoming to all who knocked.  Maria enjoyed people and community, confident in her values, strong in her faith, always loving and greatly loved.

Visiting Friday 4-7PM at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 So. Washington Ave. Bergenfield.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 9:30AM at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 29 N Washington Avenue, Bergenfield with interment at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Hackensack.

In lieu of Flowers please make donations to Tunnel to Towers or charity of your choice.