Marybeth E. (McGoldrick) Walker, died March 26th, 2026, in Bolivia, NC. after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family peacefully at home. She was the daughter of Edmond A and Mary E. Dunai McGoldrick. Born in Reno, NV 11/19/1946. She was raised in Meriden, CT and was a 1964 Maloney H.S. Graduate where she was president of the future nurse’s club and a long-time candy striper at Meridan Hospital.
Her stellar academic record earned her the Kiwanis Club scholarship that enabled her to attend the University of Connecticut where she was admitted to the prestigious Sigma the Tao International Honor Society of Nursing. She graduated Cum Laude from UConn in 1968 with a B.S. in nursing and later earned her master’s degree in 1988 from Anna Maria College in MA.
She began her nursing career in pediatrics and later moved to Psychiatric Nursing at the Undercliff Mental Health Center. She was a staunch advocate of psychiatric and mental health care. She further challenged herself to become a National Board-Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing and practiced in that field for over 30 years.
After moving to MA with her family, she belonged to ANA, MNA and served at Vice President of the Massachusetts Mental Health Nurses Association.
In 2011, she and her husband, Wellington, retired to Bolivia, NC where they enjoyed boating and beaches. She stayed active and sincerely enjoyed time with her wine tasting group, book club, craft group and her beloved friends and neighbors in the Palmetto Creek community.
Marybeth was predeceased by her husband, Wellington James Walker, and her older brother, William McGoldrick. She is survived by her son, Heath and his wife, Candace; her son, Leigh and his wife, Sarah; four grandchildren, Damon, Rhys, Tessa and Evelyn; and her brother, Patrick along with many nieces and nephews.
On April 2, 2026, at 11 A.M. there will be a Celebration of Life service at Brunswick Funeral Service Southport/Oak Island Chapel located at 3479 Southport-Supply Road, Bolivia, NC. Marybeth specifically requested that attendees do not wear black attire. Pastel and floral colors always brought her great joy. There will be a private burial service for family members at a future date.
Donations may be made to NAMI North Carolina, which is a prominent mental health charity that provides support, education and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness or charity of one’s choice.
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