Susan Catherine Walsh Wilmore, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Mercy Johnston Hospice House on November 7, 2021. An Irish celebration of life for family and close friends will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Rd Des Moines .
Sue was born on September 30, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to John and Phyllis (Knight) Walsh. She lived in Des Moines for most of her life. During WWII she lived in San Diego with her family. She graduated from Mt. Loretto-Mercy Prep High in Council Bluffs. She attended nursing school at St. Mary’s Help Hospital in San Francisco. After graduating with an RN degree, she returned to Des Moines and started her career in nursing. She worked at most of the Des Moines hospitals during her 40 years as a nurse, specializing in pediatrics, the nursery, and the NICU.
Family was the most important thing to Sue. She cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vacations were spent in Illinois at her sister’s home or Pennsylvania at her brother’s home. Mom was the strongest, most selfless woman we know. She dedicated her life to caring for others (especially babies), always put the needs of others before herself and instilled in us the “Golden Rule”. She was our rock. She had a sharp mind and loved working crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. She loved to tell us stories about her family and childhood.
Those left to cherish Sue’s memory include her children: Kirby (Sharon) Wilmore of Johnston, Iowa, Marcie (Dave) Simons of Urbandale, Iowa, and Suzi (Terry) Burris of Indianola, Iowa; grandchildren: Stephanie (Michael) Skinner, Allie (Mike) Slavin, Jake (Ashley) Burris, Cassie Burris, Kirsten Burris (James Bultman), and Sean Simons; great-grandchildren: Naomi Skinner and Lola Slavin; her sister, Pat (Ron) Gonder; her brother, John Walsh; and many nieces and nephews. Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, John Wilmore.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family or Mercy Johnston Hospice House.
