Maureen Eleanor Elizabeth Boyd

Maureen Eleanor Elizabeth Walsh was born in February, 1929. She was born in the village of Cwmrhydyceirw, Swansea, Wales, U.K. and was the 4th child of Mary Jane Evans and David Michael Walsh. Maureen had 3 older brothers, Trevor, Ronnie and Graham and was followed by her sister June.
The family moved to Kimberly Road in Sketty, outside of Swansea when Maureen was 3.
Life was not easy for the family as their father had tuberculosis as a result of being gassed in the trenches during the First World War.  Also, the Second World War was looming.
Swansea was a port city and a target for the Luftwaffe bombs.  In 1939 Maureen and June were evacuated to Farm Ffoshelig in Rhydargaeau village in Carmarthenshire, Wales when Maureen was 10 and June 6 years old. It would be 2 years before they saw their mother again.
Life in the British Isles was difficult after the war as well and when Maureen’s Aunt Annie helped her pay for her journey over to Detroit, she jumped at the chance.
It was a big change coming to America and she got a job as a brassiere salesperson. She recalled that she didn’t even understand the money but that the ladies she worked with were very helpful and kind.
It was at this time that Maureen became friends with Barbara Boyd, who would become her sister-in-law, after introducing Maureen to her tall, handsome, intelligent brother Bill. The two married in September 1951. Bill was in the army and they shipped off to Colorado Springs until Bill received his honorable discharge and they headed back to Michigan.
Maureen and Bill made a life in Michigan where Bill worked at Ford Motor Co. while going to night school and Maureen had 4 children, Alan 1954, Carolyn 1958, Susan 1961 and Robert 1963.
In 1964 Ford transferred the family to England where they would live until they returned in 1972.
England was a challenge with 4 children, not driving and a husband who had long business trips but Maureen was up to the challenge and life was good for all.
The family moved back to Michigan and settled in West Bloomfield.  Once again Maureen had to make sure everyone was situated and happy and again, she rose to the challenge.
Maureen and Bill raised all four children and put them all though college, which was no easy feat on a single income.
Bill retired in 1991 and they moved to Bloomfield Hills which they thought would be their retirement home and they completely renovated their house.
On a trip to visit Sue and Alan in Texas a friend told them to check out Lake Keowee in SC. They never looked back. They bought a lot, designed a house and lived “The happiest 24 years of their life” there.
In 2015 Maureen and Bill decided that they had one more move to make and they moved to Asheville, into a beautiful independent living apartment in the Deerfield Retirement Community.  
Maureen passed on July 30, 2023 surrounded by all her children.
Maureen is predeceased by her brothers Trevor, Ronnie and Graham and her beloved husband Bill who passed in 2020. Maureen is survived by her beloved sister June, her children Alan (Sandy), Carolyn (John), Sue (Jim) and Rob (Cara). Maureen had 7 grandchildren that she loved, encouraged and enjoyed, Jessica, Kathleen, Nick, Kyle, Kelsey, Trevor and Gavin. Maureen is also survived by her four precious great grandchildren Miles, Michael, Beatrice and Jackie.
Maureen will always be remembered for her lively sense of humor, quick wit, fabulous fashion sense, being an avid reader but mostly for the love she had for her family. She is greatly missed.

The family is especially thankful to the staff at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community for the care they provided to Mom and Dad for the last seven years.  For those desiring, in lieu of flowers a donation to the Deerfield Charitable Fund, the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice is suggested. 

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