Mary T. Gallagher

Mary T. Gallagher, 92, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on April 2, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA, Mary was the daughter of the late John and Mary (née Hamas) Galyo. She was a proud daughter of immigrants from the Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia), and her two eldest siblings, Betty and George, were born there before the family settled in South Philadelphia. Mary’s roots in that close-knit community remained a cherished part of her identity throughout her life. 

Mary began her working life at Bell Telephone, and after raising her children, she returned to the workforce at First Union Bank. What began as a part-time position, evolved into a respected role as Head Teller; a testament to her diligence, reliability, and warm rapport with customers and colleagues alike. 

In her youth, Mary was an avid bowler and loved playing on a team with her good friend Joyce—they were quite the duo. She was also a dedicated card player, especially enjoying many games of Pinochle with her friends. Shopping brought her great joy, whether browsing the aisles for herself or finding the perfect gift for a loved one. 

Mary had a deep love for the seashore. She spent many summers in Surf City and Avalon, but especially treasured her time in Ocean City, NJ. She also enjoyed lively trips to Atlantic City and found joy in traveling to Florida, the Bahamas, and especially Hawaii, where she made unforgettable memories with her family. 

Mary’s heart and soul belonged to her family. She was the beloved wife of the late John A. “Jack” Gallagher. Together, they lived overseas in Germany during Jack’s Army service, where their children John and Janet were born. Mary was a devoted mother to John P. Gallagher (Linda), Janet M. Schneider, and Daniel T. Gallagher (Luna). She was predeceased by her husband John A. "Jack" Gallagher, son Mark Gallagher, grandson Johnny Gallagher, and son-in-law Bill Schneider. 

She was the adoring grandmother of Michelle Bowden (Jeremy), Danielle Jaszczyszyn (John), Tatum Cruz (Joey), and Danny Gallagher (Litney); and proud great-grandmother of Cam, Brooke, and Addy Bowden, Ethan and Quinn Jaszczyszyn, Rye Cruz, and Judabean, Ruik, Lyrik, Revkyn Gallagher. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was boundless—they were truly the light of her life. 

Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law Louise Galyo and was predeceased by her siblings Betty Marnel, George Galyo, Marge Barker, Msgr. John “Ace” Galyo, and Joe Galyo. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005. 

Mary will be remembered for her strength, sense of humor, love of life, and, above all, her unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love and laughter lives on in each of the lives she touched.