Nora Marie Duggan

Obituary Nora M. Duggan Nora Marie Gallagher Duggan came into this world on November 12, 1919, and departed peacefully in her sleep on July 25, 2015. She was the third of four children born to Donegal natives Maggie and Manus Gallagher of North Tacoma. At 5'10" Nora stood out at Holy Cross School as the tallest girl in her class and the student with the top grades. She went on to graduate from Stadium High School and Knapp Business College. Her career took her to McChord AFB, where she rose through the civilian ranks to become Chief Clerk of Base Supply, overseeing a staff of 38. She was the first woman to hold the position. In her early 30s she met and married Irish immigrant Patrick J. Duggan, and together they reared four children. Nora was always proud of the fact that all four of her children attended college and had successful careers. We, her children, are forever grateful for the many sacrifices she made on our behalf. Our mother never refused any relative or friend who needed her help; she was always there to listen. In her later years, Nora loved traveling to such far-flung places as China, Italy and Spain, but especially enjoyed the trips she took with her children and sisters to visit family in Ireland, California, and Missouri. She took great delight in assisting her cousin Bobby Gallagher with planning the annual Gallagher family reunions, which at their height attracted 150 relatives, both regional and from abroad. Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; brother, Owen F. Gallagher; and sister, Sally Gaschk. She is survived by daughters, Pat Duggan, Sally (Eric Perser) Gallagher, and Terry Duggan (Jeff) Jahns; son, Jim (Melissa Clarke) Duggan; grandchildren, Neil, Colleen, Jon, Maggie, Sarah, Keely, Alec, Rhiannon, and Laura; five great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Champagne; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at Tacoma Lutheran Home for their many kindnesses during our mother's stay there the past six months. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a contribution to Catholic Community Services or Franciscan Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.