Dorothy (“Dottie”) McDonnell Walsh, 93, passed away December 21st, 2017.  She was married to James C. Walsh, Jr., who passed away October 5th, 1999.  Dottie was interred with him at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oakland, at a small, private service.  She had previously been married to James L. McDonnell from September 20, 1968, until his death on July 2nd, 1986.

   She was born in New York to William Paul Willenbucher and May Cecelia Willenbucher, who both preceded her in death, as did her brother William Joseph Willenbucher and sister Helen Mae Rentschler, nee Willenbucher.

   She is loved and survived by her nephew, David Henry Rentschler and Rosemary Corey Rentschler of New York NY; and James C. Walsh Jr.’s children, Donnell Walsh of Ferguson MO, his wife Wendey; Noel Walsh Nakahara of Oakland, CA and her husband Judge Vern Nakahara; Pamela Walsh Coakley of Denver, CO, and her husband Peter Coakley; and Damien of Virginia, and his wife LTC Patt Prugh (US Army, ret.); as well as many loving grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

   Dottie was an active volunteer in the Catholic Church, the Desert Regional Hospital, and the Palm Springs Art Museum during her time in Palm Springs.  She will be remembered by family and friends for her big heart, inexhaustible energy, quick wit, intellectual curiosity, and warm embrace.  She was always quick to make friends and loved travel and adventure and actively explored all parts of the world, particularly those with strenuous hikes.  She was also quick to share her ideas about art on canvas and in glass.

  Dottie enjoyed a very fulfilling and successful business career of over 40 years with the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.  She was also proud to be the first female graduate of Saint Mary’s College, in Moraga California with a Bachelors Degree in Science.  Until that time it had been an all-male school.

  Condolences to the family may be sent to the Grant Miller Mortuary in Oakland at the following website: grantmillerchapel.com.  A Mass celebrating Dottie’s life will be held Friday, February 16th at 10 am at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont.

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