Mary Welsh

Mary Welsh

August 28, 1927 -February 28, 2021

Mary Welsh, age 93, died peacefully in Anchorage, Alaska, on February 28, 2021, with family by her side.

She was born in Bordulac, North Dakota, the fourth of six children. Mary was the first to be born in the United States. She married Lyle Welsh, together they resided in Idaho and Alaska with their eight children. She lived in Alaska for 54 years.

After her children were grown, Mary volunteered and taught RCIA at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Ever the competitive bridge player and reader, she belonged to several bridge groups and book clubs. Mary raised very independent children. She listened and cared, rarely gave advice, but was always supportive in decisions that were made. She loved her bits of chocolate and would always share with others. Mary was always up for travel and adventure. Road trips with her children and their families were a favorite. International travel included Israel, Hong Kong, China, and the Amazon—usually there was a bridge game involved.

Having her family around her was a source of great happiness. Family gatherings were usually large and noisy. The more the merrier.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her children, Robert, Richard Gail (Fejes), and son-in-law, Gary Selk. She is survived by her children, Linda Selk, Carol Hughes (William), Leslie Schmitz (Kurt), son-in-law, Sam Fejes, Janet Kennedy (Dan) and Mary Daly (Randy); her sister, Lisa Domier; and brother, Henry Schmidt. In addition, she is survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Mary Troup at Southern Living Assisted Living for Mary’s care over the last several years.

A graveside service will be held in July at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life. Memorial donations may be made to the Anchorage Senior Center or Hospice of Anchorage.