Hope J. (Hanson) Walsh, 87, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, after a period of declining health.

Hope was born on July 17, 1930 in Hanover, PA, one of 7 children of the late Cecelia (Scheivert) and Russell Hanson. She attended Girls’ Trade High School in Worcester, MA and worked for Holden Plastics in Worcester for 25 years until retiring in 1992.

In 1958, she married Andrew Walsh and together they had 4 children, Jeanne E. Dee of Auburn, with whom she lived, Peter A., who died in 1969 of leukemia, James F. of Auburn, and Amy A. Durham of Cherry Valley, MA. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, Michael A. Durham and his fiancée Amanda McCormack of Auburn, Mary E. Dee and her fiancé Joey Redley of Knoxville, TN, Alyssa H. Durham of Cherry Valley, MA, and 1 great granddaughter, Cecilia Durham Weagle of Gloucester, MA. She was predeceased by 4 brothers, Paul, David, Raymond, and Milton, and 2 sisters, Hilda, and Iva. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, friends, and 1 cousin, Loretta Smith, of New Oxford, PA.

She enjoyed cake decorating, word search books, traveling and dining out with family and friends, spending time at her cottage at Hampton Beach, and cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. She had a loving heart and cared deeply about people. She could often be found in the hallways in her wheelchair when she stayed in Nursing Homes for Rehab, visiting with other patients and residents. She had a way of cheering up those she met, especially those who cared for her in her final months.

The family expresses its thanks to Dr. Dmitry Levenson, Dr. Suzanne Martin, Dr. Kevin Martin and staff of Reliant Medical Group, Elder Services of Worcester, staff from Epic Healthcare, especially Diane Marotta, her longtime Home Health Aide, and the nurses, aides, and volunteers from Central Massachusetts Hospice of VNA of Southern Worcester County for the exceptional care given to Hope and support her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Hope’s family on Thursday August 3, 2017 from 5-8 pm in the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Her funeral will be on Friday, August 4, 2017 with a funeral Mass at 11 am at Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Central MA Hospice, 191 Pakachoag Street, Auburn, MA 01501