Artist, Decorator Sheila Hardwick Keliher Walsh, 85

Sheila Hardwick Keliher Walsh, 85 died Sunday, March 29th 2015, surrounded by family at her home in Framingham.

Born to the late Rear Admiral Thomas J. Keliher of Boston and Corrine Hardwick of Los Angeles.

As the daughter of a naval officer, she grew up around the Pacific, notably San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Shanghai, China.

Her father, who attended Boston Latin and the Naval Academy was from a prominent Boston Irish political family; her grandfather a 3-term State Representative and long serving Boston Alderman and her great uncle a 4-term US Congressman and Sheriff of Suffolk County.

Born in Washington DC in 1927, she attended Punahou School in Honolulu, Dominican School for Girls in Marin County CA and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

In 1948, she married John Amand (Jack) Walsh, a graduate of the US Naval Academy who also rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in the submarine force. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last fall.

A talented fine artist, decorator and designer, she became an accomplished hostess and partner in her husband’s career which took them to stations around the globe including Washington DC, Charleston SC, Pascougula MS, Long Beach CA, Stuttgart Germany and Rome Italy, mixing easily with Generals, foreign Ambassadors, sailors’ families and local craftsmen.

An avid gardener and decorator she was able to turn a modest house into a gracious home and the military life gave her great opportunity for practice.

After her husband’s retirement she developed a passion and talent for genealogical research becoming a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, and the Mayflower Society.

A lover of history in its concrete manifestations she and Jack bought and renovated the Jonathan Maynard House, a historically significant home in Framingham.

A fierce and loyal wife and mother, she is survived by her husband, her children: David A Walsh of Huntington Beach CA, State Representative Chris Walsh (Framingham), Sheila Keliher Eckhouse of Sherman Oaks CA and by her grandchildren: James Christopher Walsh of Framingham, Suzanne Alicia Walsh of Santa Anna CA, Sarah Keliher Walsh of Echo Park CA, Katherine Corrine Walsh of Burbank CA, John Alexander Eckhouse of Sherman Oaks CA and James Gabriel Eckhouse of Berkley CA.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery upon completion of arrangements

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Norton Funeral Home, Framingham.

Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Framingham History Center, 16 Vernon St., Framingham, MA 01701.