Lona Marie Walsh

WALSH, Mrs. Lona M.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Died Thursday morning August 28, 2008 at her residence. Lona was born August 28, 1926 in Michigan City, Indiana a daughter of Orville W. and Lona M. Bertschi Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Timothy J. Burdick in 2004. On Nov. 16, 1963 she was united in marriage to William "Bill" J. Walsh, who survives. Also surviving, 2 sons, Michael Julie Burdick of Montrose, CO and John Burdick of Boulder, CO; 7 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; 2 sisters, Barbara Moul of New York and Joan Adams of Florida; and 2 nephews. She had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident, graduating from State High in 1944. She attended classes at Univ. of Mich., Western, and K-College. She was active in the service league and a founding member of the Art League, later to become the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Art was a lifelong passion, taking classes in different styles and later teaching. She worked in commercial art, started exhibiting in the early 50's with a retrospective exhibition in 1988 and remained very active with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for many years. Her influences, including Chinese brushwork, Renaissance Italian still-lifes, and Greek frescoes helped her evolve a very unique style for her paintings. Her artwork is owned around the country and overseas. She was also an avid skier and traveler, and had great passion for tennis, golf, and reading. She studied Italian, psychology, and philosophy, the latter leading to a strong interest in Buddhism. She retained a great sense of dignity and humor to the very end, and will be much missed. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, Sept. 4th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm 314 S. Park St. There will be no visitation. Private cremation will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.