Mary Welsh

Mary Irene (Hanrahan) Welsh was born on May 27, 1946, the third daughter of Earl and Irene in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at St. Rose of Lima. Mary lived on numerous farms growing up. From age 4–12, Mary grew up on a farm in Denison and created special memories. Mary received her education from Denison Community High School and graduated with the class of 1964. She then went to Antonian School of Practical Nursing and graduated with her LPN degree in 1965.

On December 21, 1965, she married James Welsh at St. Rose Catholic Church in Denison. The couple lived in various places but moved back to Denison where they called home and were blessed with two sons, Leo James and Daniel Joseph. Mary worked in various hospitals around the areas they lived in.

Mary was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Denison before moving to Vail, where she became a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. She was also actively involved with the Blue Knights Associates and the Crawford County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. A lover of nature and animals, she found joy in their companionship and spent many peaceful moments birdwatching. She also enjoyed the great outdoors, especially camping. Crocheting was one of her favorite hobbies, but above all, she treasured the time she spent with her family.

Mary passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison, Iowa at the age of 79 years, six months and 27 days. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Welsh; son, Leo Welsh; siblings: Leo Joseph (Marian) Hanrahan and Madonna Mae (Kenneth) Hoemann; and brother-in-law, Wesley Riley.

Mary is survived by her son, Daniel Welsh of Ida Grove, Iowa; grandchildren: Kassidy (Christopher) Siemer of Denison; Tanner (Madison) Welsh of Bloomington, Indiana; Tyler Welsh of Harlan, Cory Welsh of Los Angeles, California and Sydney Welsh (Patrick) of Los Angeles, California; sister, Thresia Riley of Carroll; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Inurnment will follow in the St. Rose Cemetery in Denison. The family will direct memorials.