Obituary of Sally A. Gallagher

Sally Ann Gallagher (Marcinek), 87, of Brookfield, beloved mother and grandmother, died on Wednesday, March 6th, at home surrounded by her loved ones. Sally was born in Danbury on August 23rd, 1936 to John and Janina (Jennie) Marcinek. She was the youngest of 5 children. Sally graduated from Saint Joseph school in Danbury in 1950 and she was a member of the National Honors Society and Vice President of her class at Danbury High School for three years before she graduated as a Second Honors Student in 1954. She was also voted Most Popular and Hardest to Rattle. Sally went on to earn her teaching degree from Danbury State Teachers College (Western CT University) in 1958 and taught the 2nd grade for two years at Mill Ridge School in Danbury before having her own children. 

Sally is predeceased by her husband, Peter Gallagher, who she married in 1959. The two enjoyed each other’s company for 62 years. They were best friends who loved their time together at Matunuck Beach Rhode Island, traveling to Italy and Ireland, camping, cross country skiing, and attending local bands. Sally and Pete loved entertaining friends and family in their home in Brookfield which they purchased in 1965 and raised six children. Forever an educator, Sally raised her children with a strong belief in the power of education, taking them to the library and encouraging all her children to become voracious readers and writers. She believed in living a healthy and active life. Sally will be remembered by her neighbors on Obtuse Road for her daily walks up Burr Hill and her kindness to others. 

Sally’s priority was her family. They will remember her creativity, how she made magical toys out of unlikely materials, and crafts for the Christmas Bazaar. Sally had a great sense of humor and made funny faces. She demonstrated a love for animals and cute tiny faces and loved to feed the birds. Sally had a strong moral compass which was always evident in all her interactions. She never harbored old hurts, was always forgiving, and believed that with time all things heal. 

After raising her children, Sally worked in Special Education for the Brookfield Public Schools, helping students overcome their learning challenges. She, along with her husband, Pete, also enjoyed a second generation of their family consisting of 14 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren. Sally annually hosted all of her family for Christmas Eve, giving all the grandkids new pajamas to wear home, an annual Easter egg hunt, and Thanksgiving. Her home was a place for memorable family gatherings where people celebrated with great conversation, laughter, and music.  

Sally was a dynamic Catholic. As an active member of St. Joseph Parish in Brookfield for over 59 years, Sally attended church most weekends, raised her children in the faith, sent them to Catholic school, and received the sacraments. Her favorite prayer was the Hail Mary and she had a personal dedication to the Rosary. Sally also loved swimming, enjoyed spending time at the Brookfield Senior Center, and the YMCA where she met many friends. 

Sally will be sadly missed by her six children, Jean Gallagher, Peter Gallagher Jr. and his wife Jane, Jo Gallagher, Jennifer Carnes and her husband Rodney, Pamela McGlynn and her husband Matthew, and Theresa Gallagher; her grandchildren Ben, Peter and Nicola Gallagher, Jordan and Jack Buchholz, Austin, Turner, and Annie Carnes, Noah and Abigail Winzig, Mary McGlynn, and Samuel, Emma, and Elliot Krebs. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Andrew, Joseph, and Lily McGlynn; and her dear sister, May Vaghi of Bethel whose loving companionship supported Sally throughout her lifetime; and many nieces and nephews.

Sally was predeceased by her husband, Peter Gallagher, her brothers Jack and Bob Marcinek, and her sister Janette Cummings. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church of Brookfield Saturday, March 16th at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel. There will be no calling hours. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to:

National Organization of Rare Disorders  https://rarediseases.org/

Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut https://regionalhospicect.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0be2p_PshAMV0ElHAR27BgZkEAAYASAAEgIzXPD_BwE

St Jude's Hospital -  https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sl=donate-

Brookfield/ Connecticut Land Trust – https://ctconservation.org/land-trusts/northwest-connecticut-land-conservancy-inc/