Breffny Ann Feely Walsh of New Canaan, CT, formerly of Providence, RI and Troy, NY, died peacefully on December 12, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Frederick R. Walsh. She is survived by her three children, Frederick R. Walsh, Jr., Ellen W. McMahon (Kevin) and The Reverend Peter F. Walsh (Jennifer) and 9 grandchildren, Elise Walsh Bennett, Frederick R. Walsh III, James Walsh; John Sides; and Samuel, Benjamin, Olivia, Augustine and Phineas Walsh. She is survived by a brother, R. John Feely, Jr. of Dedham, MA and predeceased by a sister, Aileen F. Gadwah. Born in Providence, RI to Richard J. Feely and Marie Carmelita O’Reilly Feely, Breffny graduated from Classical High School, Pembroke College (Brown University) and the Cooperstown Graduate Museum Program. She had a long and gratifying career in the museum business beginning at the Museum of Modern Art in 1948. For 20 years she was Director of the Rensselaer County Historical Society during which time she oversaw a major expansion and was actively involved in several professional organizations including the New York State Council on the Arts, NY State Association of Museums and local historical preservation initiatives. Breffny spent countless hours in her herb garden. She found great satisfaction volunteering with organizations some of which include The Herb Society of America, The Pottery and Porcelain Club, The Providence Preservation Society and The English Speaking Union. In spite of her professional achievements, Breffny considered her family to be her greatest accomplishment and source of joy. She consistently exhibited unqualified love and support for her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. Some of her happiest times were when family members would come for a visit. While cooking, she was known periodically to march through a room like a drum major to the sound of her favorite bagpipe music, especially Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave. Breffny was true to her name (which means chieftain) in good times and bad. She battled her disease and all the setbacks of life with an elegant toughness, never complaining and never backing down. During her later years she called everyone “Dear,” not just from a lack of memory but from fullness of heart. A Funeral will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rensselaer County Historical Society, 57 2nd Street, Troy, NY 12180. Saturday December 20, 2014 , 11:00AM at St. Mark's Church Click for Map and Directions