Helen Elizabeth Walsh

Helen Walsh, "Walshie" was born August 10, 1914 in McGregor, Iowa to parents Ernest and Florence White Wilcox.  She was the youngest of 5 children who grew up primarily in the state of Iowa.  Not only did Walshie walk six miles each day for school, she became valedictorian of her senior high school class. Walshie proudly enlisted in military service in World War II at a time when few women were allowed to serve their country.  She readily enlisted for service in 1942 when President Roosevelt signed the bill establishing the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps.  During 1943 the WAAC changed names to become the Women's Army Corps. Initially Walshie performed radar communications work for the Norfolk Virginia Air Corps before leaving to go overseas. After promotion to Sergeant Major, Walshie earned 3 major battle stars in the European Theater of Operations.  Assignments and duties took her close to front line duty in 3 of the major battle areas in the European Theater which included Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Rhineland.  Walshie's duties encompassed the supply of war products and communications services to front line troops. Her company was the first echelon that traveled to Oran, Algeria, North Africa, Caserta, Italy, and in two cities, Dijon and Marseilles, France. Walshie's career in the business world began as a linotype operator for various news organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Florida.  Her career included non-traditional type work so she took pride in being a pioneer for women.  Walshie later became Manager of the U.S. Envelope Company printing department at a time when women managers did not readily exist. Thereafter, Walshie spent time developing her own successful business and spent many years in real estate property management.  Walshie was a leader and an individual who believed in a strong work ethic, and friendships based on loyalty, honesty, and integrity. She readily shared her knowledge and expertise with others.  A long-time resident of the Atlanta area, she loved the South and particularly her favorite town, Decatur, where she chose to reside for the past 37 years. Walshie was an inspiration to her friends with her ability to enjoy her home, her yard, and her pets which included her little dog "Amie", various kitties, and even her adopted pet squirrel.  Walshie took good care of her friends, her pets, her beautiful yard?and loved them all.  Walshie was an avid gardener and arranged her yard with beautiful flowering shrubs, trees, and flowers that bloomed year round.  She enjoyed her St. Simons home and traveled extensively. Her last trip abroad was to France.  Being in her beloved Paris with best friends, even in a wheel chair, at age 90 was simply delightful.  Most of Walshie's friends would agree that Walshie enjoyed a variety of activities.  She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, the Atlanta World War II Roundtable, Avondale American Legion Post 66, Clairemont Garden Club, and participated as a volunteer for various civic associations. In the recent past, DeKalb County government and the Secretary of State of Georgia recognized Walshie for her outstanding military career.  Her photograph is exhibited on the Women Veteran's Wall of Honor located at the Atlanta V.A. Regional Medical Center. Walshie is survived by niece, Karen Jost of Rock Falls Iowa, great nephew, Korey Jost of Lanstuhl, Germany, and great nephew Lance Jost of Rock Falls, Iowa.  She is survived by her loving family member and long time best friend, Nancie Sill of Decatur.  She will be greatly missed by her devoted dog and precious kitties that were dear to her.  Also Walshie is survived by her wonderful extended family members, Charlene Clark and Sherry Adams.  Walshie was always grateful to special friends as well as superb care givers Pamela Innes, Sheryl Thacker M.D., Maria Vint, and Sheila Lawson. A memorial service will begin at 11am on January 4, 2008 at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 2089 Ponce de Leon Avenue.  Officiating will be Rector Benno Pattison followed by a reception in the church parish hall.  Thereafter the burial service with military honors will be at 1:15 pm at the Decatur Cemetery.  A. S. Turner & Sons