Carmen Gallegos
Carmen Gallegos, a native San Franciscan, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2017, at the age of 70. She was born on November 21st, 1946, the first of three children to Ado J. Gallegos and Elsie (Cuevas) Gallegos. Devoted sister to the late George Michael Gallegos and Philip James Gallegos.
She attended Grammar School and High School at St. Peter’s and graduated from San Francisco State University. She had a 27year career with the Social Security Administration, mainly helping individuals establish entitlement to their benefits.
Carmen was an active member of St. Kevin’s Church, involved in parish events and fundraising. She also volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital, in their boutique during the fall, which raised funds for the hospital. Her Catholic faith guided her through life’s challenges, which included several bouts with cancer. Instead of dwelling on her illnesses, she chose to focus on remaining positive. Doctors, nurses and those she knew were inspired by how she took things in stride.
She was an avid reader, loved movies, especially musicals, and held a life-long fascination with owls. She was known for her beautiful knitting work, which included hats, scarves, and blankets. A knitted outfit for a newborn baby was always her favorite project. Children were her greatest joy. You could often catch her stopping in public, to catch a baby’s attention with a smile or wave, hoping for a reaction. Someone once said of her, “I don’t think she’s ever met a baby, she didn’t want to hold.”
She will be most remembered for her kind and generous soul. Whether it be a premature baby, who needed a knitted cap, a child who needed a toy for Christmas, a family who needed a gift card during tough times, a senior with questions about Social Security, or someone ill needing a visit, she was always there to help when she could.
Friends may visit Monday, May 1st, from 3:00-9:00 PM, with a Vigil Service to begin at 7:00 PM at DUGGAN’S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 2nd, at 11:00 AM at St. Kevin’s Church, 704 Cortland Ave., San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Martin de Porres House of Hospitality, 225 Potrero Ave., S.F., CA 94103.