Mary A. Gallagher

Mom was surrounded by caring family as she slipped away gently into the autumn night, to be with her people who predeceased her and were waiting patiently to receive her in Heaven that she so dearly believed in..to be with family and Jesus.

Loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Mary was born in Astoria, Queens, NYC on Oct. 14, 1926. She made it to 90 years of age recently to the joy of her family and friends.

Mom was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Parish in Suffern, N.Y. where she enjoyed many years as a member of the church choir. Singing was one of moms' lifetime joys, and she shared her natural gift at many weddings and events at church after many years of classical training.

Some of our proudest pics are of mom in Life Magazine from the 40's, modeling. Where her natural beauty afforded her a brief but satisfying stint as a professional model.

Mom later went to college at RCC, becoming a registered nurse and later working private duty for the disabled in Westchester County.

Mom was pre-deceased by her father Leo Howrigan and her mother Agnes Howrigan (nee-Cunningham) of Bayside, Queens. Her father Leo was a veteran, serving in the U.S.Army in France during WW I. Her mother Agnes was a longtime employee of Elizabeth Arden Corp. in Queens.

Mom was predeceased by dad, her husband Cornelius J. Gallagher of Jersey City, N.J. who passed July 8, 1995. They were married on Oct. 23, 1948 and enjoyed many challenges, as well as many happy years of marriage and love together.

Mom was also pre-deceased by her three older brothers, John Howrigan, James Howrigan, ( twins ) and Leo Howrigan, all Veterans serving in The Pacific during WW II. The picture of mom as a teenager sitting on the front porch in Bayside, Queens with the US flag holding 3 stars in the front window behind her is a personal favorite, and a reminder of the sacrifice that was made by "The Greatest Generation" during those challenging times of WW II.

Honorable mention also to our dear family friend "Bill" Chatman who helped our family through many difficult years with a good word and a smile. Bill passed away a few years back and was a Veteran, USMC 1st Div., Pacific Theater, WW II.

Dear mom is survived by her children, especially caring oldest daughter and friend Nadine P. Gallagher of Forestburgh, N.Y., who spent countless days with mom during her illness these last few years. Nadine recently retired from her work at Catskill as an R.N. and Healthcare supervisor after almost 40 years. Mom passed away there on Saturday, while Nadine was supported by friends and coworkers from this same Hospital. Our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Catskill Regional.

Mom was pre-deceased by her daughter and youngest child Ellen M. Fuchs (nee-Gallagher) who passed away on Sept. 15, 2007. Always missed and loved, Ellen’s death effected the family deeply, none more than mom.

Mom is also survived by her three sons, Neil B. Gallagher ( former N.Y.P.D. ) of St. Albans, Vermont, Brian K. Gallagher of Suffern, N.Y., and Conan P. Gallagher of New City, N.Y.

She will be greatly missed by her caring grandchildren Patrick Fuchs ( Rockland County,NY ) , Brian K.Gallagher Jr. ( Pine Bush, NY ) , Christina M.Gallagher ( Easthampton, Ma.), and Brandon J. Gallagher ( Rockland County,N.Y.).

Mom was predeceased by her grandson Morgan D. Gallagher of Pine Bush, N.Y., who passed on Feb. 4, 2014. Always missed, always remembered.

Visitation will be with friends at the Wanamaker Funeral Home, 177 Rt. 59, Suffern, NY, Wednesday Nov. 2nd at 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Mass will be Nov. 3rd at Sacred Heart Church at 10 am followed by internment at Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, N.Y.