Nan (Ann Eva Heinl) Walsh, American artist, painter, sculptor, printmaker, and political spouse, died of complications related to advanced COPD on October 6, 2024. She was 91. Nan moved to Pound Ridge in 2012 and was active in the Neighbor to Neighbor program and frequently attended various town events.
Nan was born on November 4, 1932, in Staten Island, New York. Daughter of Joseph Edward and Mary Ellen (White) Heinl. She attended St Barnabas High School inYonkers, 1950; and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, from Fordham University, 1954. Her postgraduate study in art included: the National Academy School Fine Arts; Art Life Studio Inc., New York; the Art Center of Northern New Jersey; and extended study with Lithuanian artist V. K. Yonynas, New York.
She began her working life as a fashion model for Martha Clyde, New York City; then worked as a schoolteacher in Yonkers (New York) Public Schools; after raising 4 children, she worked as gallery director for the Mamaroneck Artists Guild, Larchmont, New York, from 1988-1995. In addition to being a fine artist, she was an art juror and consultant: she was a member of the Center for Contemporary Printmaking; she served as an advisory board member and juror for the Mamaroneck Artists Guild, Larchmont; and served as a juror at the Bedford Art Show.
Nan was the recipient of numerous 1st place awards for art, and has been listed as a notable artist, painter, sculptor, and consultant by Marquis Who's Who. Nan married Albert Anthony Walsh, July 10, 1954. He predeceased her on October 9, 2002. Al was a top New York housing official in the Rockefeller and Lindsay administrations who helped bring public and private interests together to build affordable housing. She was his steadfast partner and greatest ally throughout.
She is survived by her daughters Maryellen of Pound Ridge, and Nanette of Manhattan; her son Mark of Rye; her three grandchildren, Michael, Stephen, and Mark; and her dedicated caregiver, Peggy Karidza. She was predeceased by her son, Gregg,on November 16, 1997.
Family and friends, spanning several generations, will miss her vibrant spirit, her tenacious passion for life, her rascally nature, her generous heart, and her beauty—inside and out. Thankfully, the beauty which she brought into the world, will remain through her artwork and all those she touched.
Reposing took place at Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Directors in Mt Kisco on Thursday, October 10. The Funeral Mass celebrating her life was held on Friday, October 11, at St. Patrick's Church in Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps (prvac.org) or VIP Community Services (vipservices.org).
