Madge Richardson Walsh obituary

Madge Richardson Walsh passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 6, 2015, finally freed from the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. Her time on this earth began on March 1, 1931, in Berkeley, California. She attended Anna Heads School and the University of California Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor in Dramatic Literature cum laude, and Master of Arts in Anthropology, making her one of the few women of her generation to earn a graduate degree.

                 

After being introduced by her scheming great aunt and her future mother-in-law (bridge partners in addition to matchmakers), she married Bert T. Walsh, a mechanical engineer, of San Francisco just before Christmas 1958. They made their permanent home in the San Francisco Bay Area—first San Francisco, then Piedmont (where they added two children to the mix), then Saratoga. In 1969 they moved to Redding, and in 1976 to Portland, Oregon. In 1986, Bert retired early and they exchanged Portland rain for Redding sunshine, immersing themselves in researching Shasta County History and building their new church, as well as designing their dream home. 

She was a talented seamstress, from delicate garments to crafting dolls and designing historical and theatrical costumes, as well as many years of wardrobes for her family. Knitting and embroidery filled shelves and cupboards not already full of fabric, patterns and historical books, and fashion plates from the 1880s graced many walls. Her garden was an extension of her personality, filled with an eclectic selection of native plants and cuttings from friends and historical sites, each with a story to be told.

She is perhaps best known as a meticulous and widely-published researcher: A Century of Saints (for which she was named 1983 Woman of the Year by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon), Carpenter with a Camera and The Journal of Pierson Barton Reading, along with numerous articles in historical reviews throughout the North State. She left her mark on numerous organizations, most notably the Shasta Historical Society, where she edited the Covered Wagon from 1987-1996 and the Anderson Historical Society, where she served as Secretary 1997-1999. She was also very active in the Redding Museum of Art and History, the California Native Plant Society, the Conference of California Historical Societies, Turtle Bay Museums, the Association for Northern California Records and Research, the Shasta Genealogical Society, the New England Genealogical and Historical Society, and the Horsetown-Clear Creek Preserve. She brought the same passion to her own family's history and genealogy, writing and self-publishing (and hand-binding) three volumes for family members. 

Predeceased by her beloved husband of almost 47 years, by her granddaughter, Audrey Hellstern, by her parents Russell David Richardson and Jessie Dewey (Cutting) Richardson, and her dear brother, David C. Richardson. She is survived by her children, David R. Walsh of Beaverton, Oregon, and Caitilin Walsh and husband of Redmond, Washington, two grandchildren, and her niece and nephew.

Celebration of life to be held at First Christian Church in Redding, California, October 16, 2015, at 10 am, with luncheon reception to follow. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers to First Christian Church or to the charity of your choice.