GALLAGHER, Irene

GALLAGHER, Irene Leona (nee Robert) - Beloved wife of Patrick Joseph Gallagher predeceased 1975. Loving mother of Patricia Saunders (husband Johnny) both predeceased, Lorraine Geraghty (husband Patrick), Maureen Racicot (husband Brian predeceased) and John William Gallagher (wife Nancy). Cherished grandmother of Michael Geraghty (partner Tara), Kevin Geraghty (wife Nicole), Colleen (husband Will Strange), Sheila (husband Steven Grech), Margaret Ann (husband Gordon Cormier), Robert Saunders (wife Janie), Lynn (husband David Gillespie predeceased), Mark Saunders (wife Debbie), Laurie Ann (husband Greg Armstrong), Carolynn (husband Steve Sheehan), Jennifer Racicot (partner Andrew), Scott Gallagher, Stephanie, Carrie Ann Gallagher (husband Glen), 25 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Dear daughter of Leo and Lola (nee Leclair) Robert. Dear sister of Fern Robert (wife Ruth predeceased). Sadly missed by nieces, nephews, and extended family. Family always came first for Irene. She loved unconditionally, supporting without judgment. A true lady, her gratitude and strength of character was an inspiration to all who knew her. She made this world a better place. In 101 years Irene never missed the birthday of any one of her many family members. She took the time to keep track of what was happening in each of our lives and would always know what we needed most: encouragement, support, congratulations, a shoulder to cry on, inspiration, unconditional love. In 1958 Irene and Pat blessed our family with a stunning property on Manitoulin Island. “The Camp“ became a meeting place for us all to come together and reconnect as a family; a legacy that will continue for generations to come. It is through her example that we learned how to truly be there for each other. Irene lived with integrity, always striving to do what was right for her family and community. During her career as a legal secretary, from 1929 to 1970, she helped establish the first “Legal Aid“ office in Sudbury. She worked for several years on the Ontario Seniors' Advisory Council for Sudbury. Her many contributions to our community were recognized when she was presented with the “Sudbury Senior of the Year“ award in 2000. An amazing woman, Irene lived independently until she was 99, at which time she moved to a retirement home. Never idle, she began using her first computer in the 1990s when she was 80 years old. She loved it. Besides surfing the web, she corresponded with her grandchildren and great grandchildren around the world. Irene will be dearly missed, but we as a family are comforted in the knowledge that her spirit lives on in our hearts. The greatest compliment any of us could ever receive would be that we are “just like Granny.“ Forever our sunshine, “We love you.“ At Irene's request there will be no public visitation or service. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium with interment in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the JACKSON AND BARNARD FUNERAL HOME. To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org