Bridget Gertrude Gallagher (known by family and friends as Gert) was the third oldest of 8 children born to John and Mary Ellen Gallagher of Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. The children all had their individual roles to play within the family. Gert, who loved the outdoors, eagerly took on the role of helping her father on the farm. She was physically very strong and, even as a very young girl, became a significant help to him, contributing as much as the men did. In addition, Gert would go next door and help the neighbors on their farm whenever there was a need. She was the most generous and giving of human beings.

In 1953, Gert and her sister Mary emigrated to the United States. They stayed with their brother Pat who had already emigrated and was living in a house on Horger St. in East Dearborn. Sisters Kathleen and Evelyn followed suit in 1954, and Peggy the youngest sister arrived some years later. Gert and her sisters were tremendously proud of their wonderful brother Pat, who took on the responsibility of providing a home for all his sisters when they first emigrated. They were equally proud of their brother Francis for the role he played in supporting his parents on the farm in Tubbercurry. Gert eventually went on to purchase her own house on McKinley St. in Dearborn Heights, where she and her sister Peggy lived, essentially for the remainder of their lives. Pat, Mary, and Kathleen all lived nearby in their respective homes. Evelyn did eventually move back to Ireland with her family. Distance was never an issue for this tight-knit family; they all remained very close and continued to love and support each other all the days of their lives.

Gert loved her home on McKinley St. so very much. Her love for the outdoors never waned and she embraced the joy of gardening. She had lovely red roses in the backyard that bloomed every year, and a sweet little strawberry patch behind the garage. She mowed the lawn with great enthusiasm and weeds never stood a chance. She had this clever little practice of placing a vinyl table cloth under the shrubs to catch the clippings as she trimmed the shrubs, thereby minimizing cleanup. She eagerly shared that little tip with her nieces and nephews when they purchased their own homes years later.

Not very long after she arrived in Michigan, Gert took a course in accounting at the Comptometer School of Detroit, MI. She graduated in June of 1955, having received an almost perfect score in her finals. Consequently, she was immediately placed with Cadillac General Motors, where she worked for several decades until her retirement in 1988.

Gert loved to fondly reminisce on how how much she had enjoyed and loved her job. She often spoke highly of her coworkers and supervisors. When pressed, she would share how one day she was called into her supervisor's office and was shocked to be offered the head position over the hourly-payroll department. Being characteristically humble, Gert questioned whether she was the right person for the position; after all, she had not even applied for it! Her supervisors, however, had full faith in her abilities and this faith was proven correct because Gert went on to excel in that role. She was much loved by all her coworkers, and was known to take time to help anyone who was struggling with their work. Gert loved lunchtime because the entire office took the hour off and headed to the cafeteria, where everyone knew that a certain corner was off limits because "payroll ate there". Everyone from payroll totally relaxed for the hour and then headed straight back to their department, where they dutifully got back to the grind of the day. Gert often worked voluntary overtime to help her department meet its deadlines and was grateful for the opportunity to help.

Gert was a wonderful aunt and great aunt. She became known by everyone in her extended family as Aunt Gert. After she retired, when anyone needed a babysitter, Gert never failed to oblige. She and her sisters were wonderful babysitters because they dearly loved children and were so fun loving. Gert loved to tell the true story that one of her great nieces had been terribly unhappy in several day cares her parents had tried and cried all the time while there, but when Aunt Gert babysat her she was a different child and so very happy. The only challenge was getting her to come out from under the kitchen table when it was time to leave Aunt Gert's house.

Gert was very close to God and the Blessed Mother in what some believe was a rather unique and special way. She was often approached in church by parishioners to pray for their personal intentions, which she always did. Some years ago, when a nephew was on a seaside vacation with his family, a rip tide caught three members of the family and they came extremely close to drowning. When hope for their lives was almost lost, lifeguards eventually reached them. Mary later shared that, at the very time the near-drowning occurred, Gert who was at home suddenly became extremely distraught and panicked. She knew without doubt that the family was in extreme danger and began praying fervently for their safety. It may well have been Gert's prayers that spared those three lives that day. Gert loved to pray to St Padre Pio and to Fr Solanus Casey. She attended daily Mass and was a regular attendee of Eucharistic Adoration, while she was able. She and her siblings were true believers in the sanctity of human life. One of the greatest adventures of her life was travelling on a faith-filled pilgrimage to Medjugorje with her sisters and very dear friend Grace Kirwan. Gert's friendship with Grace endured to the end. Grace loyally visited Gert and Mary every week, travelling half an hour to bring them the Holy Eucharist.

We remember Gert as a true example of someone who walked in Christ's path. She lived a life of grace and purity. She was extremely humble and her attitude was always one of gratefulness. Gert was generous to a fault, not just with family but with the world at large. She laughed heartily and readily, and she was rarely without a smile. Gert was a beautiful example of a life well lived. She has left an indelible impression on our lives, and the ripple effect of her love and kindness will be felt for generations. May Gert rest in Eternal Peace in the tender and loving care of Our Heavenly Father.

Bridget Gertrude Gallagher of Dearborn Heights, MI, passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 94, on December 6th, 2025. Bridget is survived by her sisters Catherine "Kathleen" McCarthy, and Evelyn Sheehan, and by her sister-in-law Rosemary Gallagher. She was pre-deceased by her brothers John, Patrick, and Francis Gallagher, by her sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Gallagher and Mary Gallagher, and by her brothers-in-law, William McCarthy and John Sheehan.

Visitation will be Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM from the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Michigan. 48124, 313-561-1500. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 13th. at 12:00 PM from St. Maria Goretti Parish, 3965 Merrick St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125, with visitation at the church at 11:30 AM until time of mass.