Olga Schmidt Gallagher

Mother, Wife, Homemaker, and devout Catholic, Olga Gallagher always had a smile to offer and a hug to share. Olga passed away on July 25, 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones who will honor her life and legacy by sharing her warm spirit and joyous outlook.

Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Olga had an adventurous and challenging childhood after her Father was killed in World War II and her Mother, Sidonia, was left to raise the family alone. The family was displaced and moved to different refugee camps in Austria. These early struggles helped forge her strong character and gratitude for life’s simple pleasures.

With assistance from Catholic Charities, Olga emigrated to the United States in 1951 at the age of 16 with her family through Ellis Island. Olga and her family settled in Waukegan, Illinois and she immediately found work and learned to speak English. Later, while a hostess in the USO she met the love of her life, a young Navy seaman named Tilden Gallagher, and they married in January of 1956. Next came the adventures of being a “military wife” and all of the moves across the country on a regular basis. Of course, the children came along as well, and before long it was a very busy household with six children!

Olga’s greatest joy was raising her family and all of her children have wonderful memories of time spent with her over the years. Her smile was contagious, and she always spent time dancing, playing, and teaching her children life’s important lessons. Friends and family were always welcome and the Gallagher house was always bustling with activity.

Olga is survived by her husband of 68 years, Tilden; her daughters Karen Taylor (James); and Rosemary Taylor (Ken); sons James Gallagher (Janice); Peter Gallagher (Brenda); Matthew Gallagher (Colleen); Mark Gallagher (Jessica); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her brothers, Steven Schmidt; and Karl Schmidt.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 6th with a viewing at 10:00am, Mass at 10:30am and a luncheon reception to follow. Burial will be at Miramar National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to a Catholic Charity of your choice.