Ellen M. ((McGarrahan)) Gallagher

Ellen M. Gallagher died at home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 after a courageous and difficult battle against a rare neurological disease.  Her family was by her side.  Born on June 8,1934, Ellen was the adored wife of the late George Gallagher with whom she shared forty years of marriage until his death in 1997. She was the beloved mother  of her four “girls”, Julia Gallagher Brickley, Catharine Gallagher, Martha Gallagher and Elizabeth Merritt. Her grandchildren, Robert and Charlotte Mostertz, Daniel Gallagher Meritt   and John Gallagher Brickley were the great joys of her life. They knew her as Grandma, G-ma, Big G and Baba but mostly they knew her as the best grandmother ever. She felt blessed to have Robert Mostertz, Keith Raymond and Peter Merritt as her sons-in-law; they reciprocated by feeling that they had won the mother-in-law jackpot with her. 

She was pre- deceased by her parents, Owen and Ellen McGarrahan , and her siblings, Robert McGarrahan, Emily Wright, John McGarrahan and Owen McGarrahan Jr.

Ellen was a life long resident of Milton, and spent over 65 years at her summer home in Centerville on Cape Cod. She loved the beach, her garden, challenging books, complex puzzles, quiet afternoons on the porch and always, a house filled with the family she loved so dearly.

A bright and intellectually curious woman, Ellen was a proud graduate of Framingham State Teachers’ Colllege, Class of 1955, with a degree in Home Economics.  She  volunteered for many years at the Milton Public Library. She a wonderful “keeper and maker” of friends, with cherished relationships dating back to her 3rd grade class at Milton’s Belcher School. 

She was kind, gentle, patient and funny. She loved unconditionally and welcomed her daughters’ friends with open arms and made them part of her family. Ellen believed in the power of voting and never missed a single election in her adult life. She supported progressive causes and was a quiet and steadfast advocate for justice and equality for all. She will be deeply and forever missed by those who loved her.

The family would like to thank Diane, Lorna and June for their kindness and care. They are also deeply grateful to Kerri Foley and Old Colony Hospice for helping Ellen during her illness.  Relative and friends invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Agatha Church, Milton Saturday morning at 10:30.  Burial Private. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ellen’s memory to the Milton Public Library, the Centerville Public Library or Old Colony Hospice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen M. ((McGarrahan)) Gallagher, please visit our floral store.