Obituary of Mary Stella Gallagher

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary Stella Gallagher announce her passing which occurred peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Rocmaura Nursing Home, Saint John, NB. The eldest daughter of nine children, Mary was born on May 31, 1925, in Norton, NB, to the late Patrick and Alice (Mahoney) Cogger.

In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her loving husband Francis Gallagher; daughter Joanne Morrison; brothers: Joe, Jerome, Larry and Frank Cogger; and sisters: Kaye White, Loretta Goguen and Margaret Casey. She will be fondly remembered by her sister Patricia Byrne.

Mary will be greatly missed by her children: Karen Gallagher of Calgary, AB, Steve Gallagher (Christie) of Moncton, NB, John Gallagher of Halifax, NS, Jackie Hamilton-Irving (Ed) of Riverview, NB and Judy Sanderson (Dana) of Cornwall, PE; adored grandchildren: Bryan Arciero (Ashley), Duncan Hamilton-Irving (Jessica), Siobhan Gallagher (John), Gregor Hamilton-Irving, Sean Gallagher, Mary Hamilton-Irving, Seamus Gallagher and Andrew Hamilton-Irving; step-grandchildren: Mitchell Sanderson and Erika Alexander (Marc); great grandchildren: Evelyn and Connor Arciero; loving friend and former daughter-in-law Joanie Gallagher; special grandsons: Dominic Payette and Alex Morrison; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Becoming a widow at the age of 49, Mary found strength in her faith. She also believed any problem could be solved when in her kitchen baking bread. Mary’s home for the past eight years has been Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint John, NB. She adored everyone at Rocmaura, especially the nursing staff on Hopewell Court who took such great care of Mary Stella “Star” every single day.

Mary’s children will be forever grateful to her Rocmaura family; your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 4 to 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norton, NB. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Rocmaura Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com