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Catherine Gallagher
Born: 3/1/1926
Died: 2/13/2016
Age: 89
Community: Flint, MI
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GALLAGHER, Catherine - After nearly 90 years, Catherine finished her last walk down life’s highway on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Of indomitable will, Catherine fought through her pain, hanging on valiantly to the very end. Born March 1, 1926 in Ionia, Michigan, Catherine was the oldest daughter of Frank and Mildred (Jackson) Gazella. Raised in Ionia, Catherine attended Saints Peter and Paul Academy from grades one through twelve, graduating valedictorian in 1944. From there, Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College, and later received her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan, in 1948, Catherine began her teaching career at St. Mary’s in Mt. Morris. In 1950, she transferred to the Flint Public School system where she taught until 1954. On February 13, 1954, she married Pulitzer Prize Winning Flint Journal photographer William M. Gallagher, then took a break from teaching to raise their family. Returning to her chosen career in 1969, Catherine taught kindergarten at St. Michael’s in Flint until 1976. In the fall of 1976 she became the first kindergarten teacher at St. Robert’s in Flushing. Retiring from teaching in June of 1994, Catherine continued to volunteer at St. Robert’s while also working at St. John Vianney’s Day Care for as long as she was able. A devout Catholic, Catherine was a member of St. John Vianney’s (SJV), St. Robert’s and All Saints churches. She was a member of SJV’s Altar Society for many years, and was also the leader of numerous Girl and Boy Scout troops at the schools. Catherine taught CCD classes at both SJV and St. Robert’s, and was always willing to help out at any of their various school and church functions. She continued volunteering at Powers High School once her children were students there, and could often be found helping out at Bingo. Family was a priority to Catherine and she always supported and attended her husband’s and children’s numerous activities. Catherine and Bill enjoyed traveling and took their family on many trips through the years. Northern Michigan, Florida, and a cross-country trip to California are all well remembered vacations. At home, Catherine liked to knit and crochet, hold family dinners, visit her numerous family members, and attend as many of her grandchildren’s activities as she could. An enthusiastic walker, she often could be seen walking outdoors in her neighborhood with good friend Dorothy McClanahan, or inside St. Robert’s school during inclement weather. A favorite activity throughout her life was remembering friends and family with handwritten cards and notes. She continued this practice even when arthritis settled into her hands-she simply turned to her typewriter to get the job done. Through the years, Catherine taught thousands of kids and made a significant impression on them; none ever forgot Mrs. Gallagher. Often, while she was out and about, one of them would recognize her and stop to introduce themselves and their families to her. They always commented on how much she meant to them and said they wished she could teach their children. Quite an impressive legacy to leave behind!
Catherine is survived by: her children- Michael (Karen) of Saginaw, Marycatherine (Bob) Gidcumb of Mt. Morris, Joseph (Jeannine Baker) of Sault Ste Marie, and James (Nancy) of Flint;
Grandchildren-Brian (Theresa) and Jon Gallagher, Brianne Gidcumb, Kallie (Patrick) Beale, and Stephen Gidcumb; great-grandchildren-Lauren, William and Katherine Gallagher, Laila and Nina Beale, and Cadence Gidcumb;
Brother-Charles (Elaine) Gazella;
Sisters-Louise (John) Sweet, Rose Mary, Janet and Mary Jane Gazella, and Margaret Bonham;
Sister-in-Law-Jane Ann Gazella;
And many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding her in death were husband William, son Thomas, parents Frank and Mildred, brothers James, Richard and Carl, and sister Janice.
Special thanks to her senior living caregivers especially Sue, Theresa and Victor; family and friends at St. Robert’s. St. John Vianney, All Saints and St. Mary’s Mt. Morris churches and schools; and Bertie Kelush (for always being there!)
Visitation will be 1-8pm Monday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Michigan with a Rosary being prayed at 7pm Monday evening at the funeral home. Visitation 10am Tuesday at church until the time of the Mass.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at St. John Vianney Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Michigan, Father Thomas Firestone, followed by burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. A family and friends luncheon will follow in the St. John Vianney parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make contributions may make them to the childhood early learning center of their choice. Online tributes and condolences may be posted on the Swartz obituaries page at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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2/13/2016 |
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| Visitation will be 1-8pm Monday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Michigan with a Rosary being prayed at 7pm Monday evening at the funeral home. Visitation 10am Tuesday at church until the time of the Mass. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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2/16/2016 |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. John Vianney Catholic Church
2415 Bagley Street
Flint, MI 48504Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Father Thomas Firestone |
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