Elizabeth C. "Betty" Walsh

Lowell – Elizabeth C. “Betty” (Coffin) Walsh, widow of Dennis E. Walsh, died Monday January 3, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was 96.
Born in Dedham on March 26, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Mahoney) Coffin.
Betty moved to Lowell at a young age and considered herself a lifelong resident. She graduated from Lowell High School.
In earlier years she worked as a bookkeeper for the former Educator Biscuit.
Her hobbies included wood refinishing and rug braiding.
Betty was a founding member of RARA (Retarded Adult Rehabilitation Association) of Lowell, and an advocate and founding member of Life Links of Lowell.
She was a tireless advocate for the mentally handicapped. In 1995 she was awarded an official citation from the Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of her “outstanding service and dedication to the needs of the mentally retarded citizens of greater Lowell.”
That same year, Betty was also presented an award from the Lowell Department of Mental Retardation Advisory Board for her “contributions and commitment to enriching the lives of persons with mental retardation and their families.”
Survivors include two sons, Michael D. Walsh of Lowell, Christopher E. Walsh of Chelmsford; a granddaughter Annemarie Newberry of Oakley, CA; a great grandson Trace Newberry of Oakley, CA; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Charles and Paul Coffin, and Rita Hunter.
Donations in her memory may be made to RARA, 295 High St. Lowell, MA 01852.