Mary Catherine Gallagher
Mary Catherine Gallagher (née Daly), age 96, formerly of Drexel Hill, died October 21, 2018, at her home in Broomall. Born in Philadelphia, Mary grew up in its West Oak Lane section, where she lived with her parents, John Henry Daly and Caroline (Miller) Daly, two brothers, and a sister.
Her early schooling took place at St. Benedict’s School and Gwynned Mercy Academy, after which she attended Immaculata College. While at Immaculata, (now a University), she met the love of her life, John Mitchell “Jack” Gallagher, a friend of her brothers from Saint Joseph’s College. She graduated in February, 1944, due to wartime. Days after her graduation, they were married at Saint Benedict’s Church. During her husband’s active service as an officer in the U.S. Navy, based at Lakehurst, NJ, their first child, John, Jr. was born. After further service in Shawnee, Oklahoma, they returned to Philadelphia, eventually moving to Chester, PA and later to Drexel Hill, PA, where the family added four sons and three daughters. Mary was predeceased by her husband, who died suddenly in 1969, after which she entered the workforce and oversaw the education of her children through college and beyond. Her sister, Caroline, and brother, Paul, also predeceased her.
Along with her husband, Mary was an active member of Saint Bernadette’s parish in Drexel Hill. As her children grew she was active in many organizations that supported both their schools and her parish. Later in life, she found great enjoyment as a member of Saint Pius X parish in Broomall.
Mary was president of the Delaware County Chapter of the Immaculata University Alumnae Association, and received the university’s Alumnae Medal in 2005. In addition to her brother, John Henry, Jr., of Phoenixville, PA, she is survived by her children: John Mitchell Gallagher, Jr. (Joan), of Media, PA; Robert Laurence Gallagher, living abroad; Laurence Henry Gallagher, of Baltimore, MD; Gerald Patrick Gallagher (Shelley), of Dallas, TX; Mary Bernadette “Muffy” Gallagher, of Broomall, PA; Anne Patrice Gallagher, of Bryn Mawr, PA; and Francis Xavier Gallagher (Michele), of Yardley, PA. A daughter, Theresa, died in infancy.
Mary is also survived by six grandchildren: Leigh Gallagher, of New York; Drew Gallagher (Adrienne), of West Hartford, CT; Casey Gallagher, of New York; Nathan Gallagher, of New York; Laura Gallagher of Yardley, PA; and Gabriella Gallagher, living abroad. A granddaughter, Megan Gallagher, died in 2005. Also surviving are two greatgrandchildren, Jacob John and Noah Daniel Gallagher, both of West Hartford, CT. Her last days were made more enjoyable and fulfilling due to the comfort and care provided by Joann Smith of Philadelphia, with whom she shared a special friendship.
Relatives and friends are invited visitation Friday 9:30am at St. Pius X Church, 204 Lawrence Rd., Broomall, PA 19008 where her Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am. Interment will be Private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immaculata College.