Geraldine Birdsell "Beedie" (Parker) Walsh

July 23, 1921 - Feb. 22, 2005

Geraldine Birdsell "Beedie" Walsh, 83, of Countryside Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 811 E. 12 Street, in Mishawaka left this life and was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Feb. 22, after an extended illness.

Beedie was born Geraldine Birdsell Parker on July 23, 1921 , in South Bend to the late Reed Lynn and Geraldine Parker. After graduating form South Bend Central High School, she received her degree as a registered nurse from Epworth Hospital and Training School in South Bend.

On Nov. 28, 1942 she married Robert W. Walsh who preceded her in death on September 10, 1977.

Surviving are two sons, Michael C. Walsh of Stevensville, Mich, and Robert W. "Sam" Walsh Jr. and his wife, Sue of North Liberty, Ind. Also surviving are two grandsons, Sean Walsh and his wife, Lisa, and Jason Walsh and Mindy Dobrzykowski of South Bend. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Alannah Ryan Walsh, Eryn Rileigh Walsh, and Michael Jesse Walsh, all of South Bend. Beedie also has loving nieces, Kathy (Mike) Oshinski of Wyoming, Mich., and Mary Jo (Bob) Thurston of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a nephew, Tom Knisley of Port Charlotte; and two sisters-in-law, Hazel Knisley of Port Charlotte and Lillian Richardson of Wyoming, Mich. Also her dear friends, Char Oletti, Karen Gugel and Nancy Curtis are among the many friends and co-workers who will miss her unique personality.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara, her mother and father-in-law, Michael and Josephine Walsh, along with sisters-in-law, Elsie and Ethel Walsh, all of South Bend and a brother-in-law, Carl Knisley of Port Charlotte.

Beedie was formerly a head psychiatric nurse at St. Joseph Hospital and the former Osteopathic Hospital in South Bend. Following her many years as a psychiatric nurse she became one of the most respected substance abuse counselors at Memorial Hospital and Madison Center. She was adored by her patients and still receives letters and cards from many of her former patients. She has a wonderful passion for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Beedie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at New Life Baptist Church in Osceola, Indiana in May 1999.

Funeral services will be held at 1 1 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, in Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 R, South Bend. There will be visitation prior to the funeral services from 9 to 1 1 a.m. Senior Pastor Michael A. Cramer of New Life Baptist Church will conduct the funeral service. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery on Portage Road in South Bend. The family requests contributions in memory of Geraldine "Beedie" Walsh be made to the building fund of New Life Baptist Church, 11593 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN 46561.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Countryside Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for making her final days comfortable. Also, Outreach Pastor David C. Stauffer of New Life Baptist church who ministered to her.

Source: Newspapers.com

11/04/2024 EJS