Elizabeth G. “Bess” Walsh, 99, of Peabody, died Thursday, January 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife to Martin J. Walsh, Sr. for 61 years.

Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary Etta Anketell. She was a lifelong resident of Peabody and a graduate of St. John’s Parochial High School, Class of 1940. She continued her education at Salem Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

Elizabeth began her career at the Samuel Brown School before leaving to raise her family. She later taught CCD at St. Ann’s Church, was a member of the Ladies Sodality, a member of the Bazaar Committee and for many years was a daily communicant at the 9:00 Mass. In March of 2016, Bess received the Cheverus Medal in recognition of her more than 50 years of service to the St. Ann’s community.

For years Bess enjoyed knitting and sewing. More recently she became an avid player of Words with Friends, and would skype with her out of state family members. Most of all, Bess “Gram” cherished her time with all her family and many friends.

She is survived by her children and their spouses; Eileen and Donald Spence of Ipswich, Gene and Andrea Walsh of Marietta, GA, Louise Chase of Hopedale, Mary and Michael Skerry , and Thomas and Mary Walsh of Peabody, her grandchildren, Michael and Robin, Patrick and Joanne, and Katie Skerry, Andrew Chase, Allison and Ryan White, Erin, Lindsey, Elizabeth, Sean and Timothy Walsh and Kelly and Ryan Pothier, along with her seven great-grandchildren, Ryan, Owen, Grace and Hannah Skerry, Savannah and Paisley Pothier and Joseph White. Bess was predeceased by her sons and daughter-in-law, Rev. Martin J. Walsh, Jr. and Robert and Sharon Walsh, and by her brother Eugene Anketell.

Elizabeth’s funeral will be held on Friday, January 14th, at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street Peabody, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 at St. Ann’s Church, Lynn Street, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited. Masks are required. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, MA.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Bess’s name to the Peabody Education Foundation, P.O. Box 233, Peabody, MA 01960 or at peabodyedfoundation.org.