Evelyn Anne Gallagher

Obituary Evelyn A. Gallagher Evelyn A. Gallagher, born November 29, 1933, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2014 as a result of Alzheimer's disease. Evelyn is survived by Jack (John F. Gallagher, Jr.), her loving husband of 57 years; her five children, Mike (Rosalie), Bridget, Pat (Susan), and Tim (Stephanie), all of the Tacoma area, and Colleen (Greg) Finnoff of Lyons, CO; and her oldest sister, Patricia (Lloyd) Harig of Wyoming, MI;. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Scarlett, Konnor, Elizabeth, Theresa, Emily and Christine, all of the Tacoma area; and two step-grandchildren, Sophia and Quinn of Lyons, CO. Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Betty Mitchell; her brothers, William, Michael, Robert and Lawrence Mitchell; her sister, Mary Rikke, and grandchild, Katie Anne Joy Gallagher. Evelyn was born at the family home in Rosedale, WA. In 1933, the family moved to Tacoma. Growing up in Tacoma, Evelyn attended Holy Cross grade school and graduated from Aquinas Academy in 1952. Initial employment while in high school was at the Proctor (now Blue Mouse) Theatre and later for several years Evelyn worked as a teller at the Bank of California. Married to Jack in 1956, Evelyn became a homemaker, raising their five children. She was happy to be a wife, mom, and homemaker and in later years a grandmother. Our biggest memory is that she was always there for us. Whether it was various school related activities, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, dance lessons, music lessons, or religious education - in some manner or another, our Mom was a part of it. Also, Evelyn was a very kind and generous person, who reached out to others in need in the community, especially those who were disabled or disadvantaged. The Gallagher family extends a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Olympic Alzheimer's Residence in Gig Harbor for their compassionate care of our wife, mother and grandmother. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 North 44th in Tacoma. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30pm also at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Cross St. Vincent DePaul Society, 5510 North 44th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.