Ann Walsh

Ann Walsh, 96, formerly of Fanwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phillipsburg, NJ, with her loving family by her side. Born in Newark, she was the daughter of the late William and Hazel (Casey) Gutmann.

Ann, and fraternal twin brother Bill, were the youngest of five children.  The twins, Ann & Bill were infants during a time of America's economic transitioning and depression.  As a child, her older siblings, along with sturdy parents coping with changing times, were obvious anchors to the stalwartness of her early development and character throughout life, founded in love.  She remained ever grateful and thoughtfully true to her older siblings while always expressing pride of her parents.  Lovingly and most affectionately referred to by all her beloved family as Annie, the optimism instilled in her from love would make her the life of any family event or social gathering.  She always greeted with that high pitched voice of enthusiasm that made one feel more than just noticed, but special.  While often attempting to bring humor to the forefront, even with a touch of animated silliness, Annie had a deliberate and serious message of heart that she usually intended to convey.  She would often opine, "I don't think that's right", as she expressed disappointment about behaviors.  She exemplified morality and her code of right from wrong that she lived by and insistently extended to her children, grandchildren and even nieces and nephews.     

Ann was predeceased by her loving husband of 35 years, James in 1987. She is survived by her beloved children: daughter Karen Johansen and husband Roger of South Plainfield, son Douglas and wife Gayle of Cream Ridge, NJ; and daughter Diane Foelster and husband Alfred of Lebanon, NJ. Ann is also survived by her 6 cherished grandchildren and 4 adored great-grandchildren.

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, May 9 from 9:00am to 12:pm at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Ave in Dunellen. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Red Bank, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann's name to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ann Walsh, please visit our floral store.