Mary Patricia Gallwas

Obituary Mary Patricia (Mallany) Gallwas Our Mom, Mary, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 22, 2013. Waiting at Heaven's gate to welcome her were her husband, Albert (Bud), her mom, Ruth, her daughter, Mary Beth, and her granddaughter, Mary, all of whom preceded her in death. Mary was born in Hoquiam, WA, Sept 28, 1927 to Ruth and John (Jack) Mallany. After moving to Tacoma, Mary attended St. Leo's Catholic School grades 1-12, and graduated Valedictorian of her class. Mom met dad at a roller rink, not because she liked skating, but because she said that was where the cute servicemen were. Mom and dad were married Feb 6, 1946, and raised eight children during their 62 years of marriage. Mom loved words, reading, collecting recipes, playing Scrabble and Yahtzee. Mom aspired to be a writer and was thrilled when the paper published one of her poems and paid her $5. Mom was a typist for a local author for a time and worked several jobs in retail to help with finances, but her true career was caring for her family. She cooked meals from scratch, canned fruits, vegetables and pickles, baked bread, pies, and Christmas cookies which are legendary. She learned the art of sewing from her own mother and as kids we had new outfits every Easter, Christmas and other occasions. She continued to sew for her grandkids, making diapers, blankets and doll clothes. Throughout her life, mom stayed true to her faith in God, even as her health declined and she was unable to attend Church services. In her later years she was rarely without Rosary Beads or a prayer on her lips. Mary is survived by seven children: Lawrence, Oak Harbor; Judith Stephens (Bob), Tacoma; Jane Schultz, Beaver Falls, PA; Gregg (Marianne), Tacoma; Alan, Spokane; Mark (Maria), Tacoma; and Kathleen Robinette, Tacoma. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and her three sisters: Sheila Gallagher, Buckley, WA; Nora Warren (Allen), Yuma, AZ; Peggy Clark (Gary), McMinnville, OR, and many nephews and nieces. Mary will always be loved and remembered by her family and those who knew her. The family would like to thank the staff at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, especially the nurses and caregivers on Ocean Wing for their support and loving care of our mother. The family also thanks Father John and members of Holy Cross Catholic Church for their prayers and love. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 1, 2012, 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 N. 44th St., Tacoma, WA. Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel, 1002 So. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.