Obituary of Mary Pauline Gallagher
When she would go to the beach and lift her head to the sun, she would always remark, “This is what heaven must be like”.
It is with broken hearts that the family of Mary Pauline Gallagher of Rothesay, wife of the late Martin Gallagher, announce her passing on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Born on May 9, 1935, in Saint John, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Pearl (Cassidy) McGrath. While she held many jobs in her life - working at NB Tel, in retail shops, and in kindergarten classrooms - the job she was most proud of and most excellent at was that of mother and grandmother. As a Mom and Nanny, she gave everything to her children, always providing for them a safe place to land, with an extra serving of supper. She also imbued in them a love of music - listening to all sorts of music, singing while playing her piano, and being a faithful member of the choir at St. Mark’s Church. She enjoyed many adventures with Martin, especially travels to Florida and Old Orchard Beach. She also knew the importance of being cozy, and knitted dozens of blankets for others.
Mary is survived by her sons; John of Rothesay, Patrick (Cathy) of Musquash, daughters; Wendy Ranby (Martin, with children Sarah and Liam) of Tottenham, ON, and Janet Gallagher (Derek Coates) of Hampton. She is predeceased by her granddaughter Alaura Gallagher (Christopher Sutton) and survived by her grandchildren; James McGlade, Andrew Gallagher, and Mary Rose Gallagher, great grandchildren; Ariella Sutton, Aurora Gallagher, and Leo Gallagher, brother; Peter McGrath (Henrietta) of Willow Grove, sisters; Patricia Blackadar of Quispamsis, and Patty Dobson (Dino) of Saint John, sister-in-law Gladys McGrath of Saint John, as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Besides her husband and parents, Mary is predeceased by her brother Raymond, and brother-in-law Vaughn Blackadar.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A private funeral service will take place at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Online condolences may be made at www.kennebecasifh.com
