Mary Gallagher of Dearborn Heights, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 on November 16, 2025. In the week prior to and at the time of her passing, Mary was surrounded by many loving family members. Mary is survived by her sisters, Bridget "Gert" Gallagher, Catherine "Kathleen" McCarthy, and Evelyn Sheehan, and by her sister-in-law, Rosemary Gallagher. She was predeceased by her three brothers Patrick, John, and Francis Gallagher; her sister Margaret "Peggy" Gallagher; and her brothers-in-law William McCarthy and John Sheehan.

Mary was the second oldest of eight children born to John and Mary Ellen Gallagher of Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, Ireland. She was a fiercely independent person her entire life. This was evidenced at the early age of seven, when she baked her first cake on the day her sister Evelyn was born. Just a few days before her passing, Mary recalled the occasion with great fondness. She remembered preparing the cake on a chair so she could reach the ingredients easily, and then cooking it in a cast iron pot on an open fire, with hot coals under the pot and on top of its cover. Mary laughed heartily as she recalled a neighbor coming by, who was utterly horrified when he realized Mary had baked the cake using the hot coals.

Mary also recently recalled the sweetness and innocence of her youth when she went to dances with siblings and friends. She was humble in her depictions, but it was clear that many young men were eager to dance with her. She laughed as she recalled the times the ladies were allowed to approach a couple on the dance floor, tap the man on the shoulder, and "steal" the man for a dance. "Oh," she joked, "you'd be mad when that happened to you." When asked if she herself had tapped any shoulders, she laughed mischievously and admitted that she had tapped a few and could still hardly believe she had had the courage to do that. Clearly, it was a carefree and fun time that brought back lots of happy memories.

Mary left her home in Sligo at the age of 18 in 1947 to train as a nurse at a hospital in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England. She worked there as a staff nurse for several years. Eventually, she and Gert emigrated to the United States. Their brother Pat, who had already emigrated, had prepared a house on Horger Street in Dearborn, Michigan. Mary and Gert later purchased their own homes in Dearborn Heights. Mary worked in Providence Hospital for many years before she took a job as an industrial nurse for General Motors. She was very happy there and eventually retired in 1988, after many years of service. In the years following her retirement, Mary was very generous with her time. She never failed to support her nieces and nephews by babysitting when needed. She was known for giving all the newborn nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews their first bath.

Mary loved the adventure of life and recently half-jokingly admitted that she would live to 160 if she could. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she would share that she enjoyed a boiled egg, a bowl of Cheerios, sometimes a little bacon, and of course Barry's Irish tea and some toast for breakfast. Her doctors all seemed to sense that she was a force of nature who certainly had a mind of her own. She enjoyed a challenge and was always tremendously brave and stoic when having any procedures or surgeries done that could improve her health or prolong her life. She took pride in her tenacity and fortitude in the face of adversity. When she had her hip surgery a couple of years ago, she was up and walking smoothly the very next day. When she was recovering in the hospital from a heart attack, her doctors recommended decaffeinated tea. Mary wouldn't hear of it and insisted that we bring in her regular Barry's Irish tea. "Mary, we don't think you should be drinking caffeinated tea. Your doctors said no," we told her. "I don't give a hang," she responded as she nonchalantly tossed a Cheerio into her mouth.

Mary was a deeply devout, practicing Catholic, who had special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She and her sisters prayed the Rosary daily. She also loved to pray to St Padre Pio and to Fr Solanus Casey. For much of her life, Mary attended daily Mass and was a regular attendee of Eucharistic Adoration while she was able. A strong believer in the sanctity of human life, Mary always endeavored to live in a way that was good, humble and pleasing to God. One of the greatest joys of her life was travelling on a faith-filled pilgrimage to Medjugorje with her sisters and close friends.

Mary was always young at heart. She was much loved by all, including her many grandnieces and grandnephews. We are sad that Mary has left us; however, we are also truly happy for her, knowing that she is now with the God she loved and served so well. We know she has been reunited with a lot of family and friends who predeceased her. Mary would not want any fuss or ceremony, but it is okay to say thank you, Mary, for all you did for all of us—even to the end, you put the happiness of others before your own, and that was real love.

Visitation will be Tuesday November 18th, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, from the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Michigan. 48124, 313-561-1500. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 19th. at 10:00 AM from St. Maria Goretti Parish, 3965 Merrick St, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125, with visitation at the church at 9:30 AM until time of mass.