Steph Jean Walsh

UPDATE May 08
http://www.garden-of-grace-eastmidlands.co.uk/
The Nottingham branch of SOBS is trying to raise funds to allow a special Garden of Grace and drop in centre for those affected by suicide.
Please keep an eye on this website.
There is a paypal donation link too. We are doing a sponsored walk in June - and every donation will help.
Many thanks in advance.



This site is for Steph - and for all her friends and family to leave their photos, memories and thoughts of her, as well as for anyone else who wants to give their best wishes. We thank everyone who takes the time to do so, although it doesn't need to become an every day thing.

My younger sister, Steph (Stephanie) Jean Walsh died on 15th February 2007, age 25.
She was working as a self employed glass painter, not so much to make money but as her own theraputic skill being put to good use.
She had been training as an Occupational therapist at York University but was unable to complete after becoming ill towards the end of her second year.
After a long battle against mental health issues, (not just a depression) it was too hard to go on any more.
Our parents had spent many years trying to support her and help her without fail, as she moved to her own flat in guildford and continued to increase her succesful glass painting skills.
She won several awards for her work and revelled in the praise that each person gave her on seeing her work. People often commisioned her to paint giant vases and mirrors as presents for others. Her artwork gave - and continues to give - much pleasure to many people.

Unfortunately the monster that was her mental illness gradually took over and she was no longer able to get what she needed from life.
As a sister left a lone, and for my parents, the comfort we have is that she is at peace after so many years battling against all the things she found so hard to live with, and not giving up over many times when she could have.

I have many memories - some of the best being of silly holiday songs, spending time with cousins ( one of whom, developed Steph's interest in art). I also remember how much time and effort she put into being my bridesmaid and arranging my hen do. She very much enjoyed being part
of the day and wearing her lovely lilac dress, dancing with the groomsmen and wearing her slippers underneath when her shoes hurt too much!

This was the last really great family occasion we shared in 2005 - and it was great that she was so excited and willing to be part of it.

Steph had many many friends from all walks of life, age groups and genders. She touched many people in various ways, including through her artwork, her work with the therapy garden in normandy and when she was training as an OT.
At school she was involved with as many teams as possible - athletics, music, drama clubs and also went on various school exchanges to France and Japan.
She also worked with me for two years while i ran a playscheme for children with special needs, and came into do some planting with the children i was teaching in Farnborough.
She would do anything to help anyone - a quality we have both inherrited from our parents.
One of the biggest things she did to help was raising money towards her friend Penny's wheelchair. She spoke infront of the church, asking them to sponsor her( something that was so hard for her due to anxiety issues). In the end - dad had his beard and head shaved - and it raised over £2000 in sponsorship. This made a massive difference to Penny and she made a great impact on many folk, including the priest, Father David.

She also used to buy the Big issue while she was in York, and let the person keep the change from a £5 note. Or she would go to Mc Donalds and get someone a burger. She even took a homeless chap out for a coffee. Just because she wanted to help.

As a teenager, for many years, she spent her May bank holiday on a 3 day walk, to raise money for Across, A charity taking people to Lourdes. She and many others walked 50 miles across the derbyshire dales, staying at the Briars. The money she raised in those years will have made a lot of difference to a lot of people.

She loved going to Ireland to visit our great big family there, and our Cousin Alison used to visit her too. They spent many an hour in highstreet stores, indulging their greatest passion - shopping;)
She was also godmother to our cousin Niamh, something she was really proud of. I am sure some of her spirit has found its way into Niamh!
She had a soft spot for all our aunts, uncles and cousins there.

She never had chance to visit New Zealand but she loved spending time with Cathy and Ewan when they were staying with us, and would have loved to spend more time with Kirsty and Sean, And Uncle David and Aunty Jinty.

The funeral was completley packed with Current close friends, old friends, teachers, new friends, family friends, her carer support workers and of course the majority of our irish family. The massive amount of folk attending was credit to all the lives she touched.


She is missed by many people, probably more than she ever expected.



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The songs:
Fix you - Cold play. One of her most favourite bands, probably because the words spoke to her in a lot of their songs. This song i always wanted to get her a signed copy for christmas but it never happened. the title is what we all wanted- for her to be fixed. Perhaps she is fixed now.

*
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
COULD IT BE WORSE?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
*
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What's up? - 4 non blondes. Reminds me of a holiday we had in france when the song came out - and the lyrics are perfect to show some of what was in her head for many years.

*25 years of my life and still
I'm trying to get up that great big hill of hope *

http://www.lyrics007.com/

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Drive - Incubus. One of my fave bands and a band i got steph to listen to. Drive was a song i gave Steph when she first went into hospital. I hoped the words would help. Especially the chorus.

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there,
with open arms and open eyes, yeah.
Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there,
I'll be there....


******************** ^i^ *****************



This poem was written by our cousin Cathy in New Zealand. It was her talent that got Steph started on her glass painting. Cathy was a great friend and support to Steph when she was first in hospital.
This was also read at the funeral on a recording that Cathy had sent over.


GLASS ANGEL

Precious soul
Fragile and precarious as the glass you paint.

A bright Christmas ornament( you made)
Blows into the glass window

An eerie collision
brings thoughts of you.
I shut the door so it
Doesn’t shatter (in the wind)

But the door to the world could not
Be shut for you ( forever)

The harsh wind blew
And like the bright angel decoration
You were dislodged
Glass wings unable to fly
You fell,
Broken.

Sharp shards discarded now
Bright pieces remain;
Lovely, beautiful
Treasured
Memories of Stephanie

Cathy Gilmour ( 17/02/2007)