Obituary of Agnes Gallagher

Agnes M. Gallagher of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully in her sleep on her favorite day-- Christmas Day, 2015 after an exhaustive battle against an extended illness. Agnes was born in Tewksbury, Massachusetts on December 17, 1933. As a foster child, she did not have an easy life learning survival skills and resilience much earlier than most kids. Because of her upbringing, she was strong, tough and fiercely determined to create a good life with a big family to make up for the family she did not have growing up. She got her wish when she married Jim in 1962 and together, they raised seven children. Agnes was a proud military spouse, taking care of the kids while Jim served in Vietnam and other assignments. She was a devoted mother who sacrificed her own comforts so that all of her children could attend private schools. She taught her children to believe in education and to work hard so that they could be productive, service-oriented members of society. As "Team Mom" for her kids' various sports, Agnes created precious memories for all of her children that they still talk about today. She loved the holidays and until recently always made her house a showcase that was rivaled by none in the neighborhood. Her protective nature extended to everyone in the neighborhood and she always had goodies and a kind word for the children in the neighborhood. She taught us that life is all about the kids, taking care of them, teaching them to be good citizens, and believing in them. She was determined to provide love for all children to make up for the love that she did not have growing up. She knew how to fight the good fight and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in and she was direct and fearless when it came to protecting her family. Agnes is survived by her husband, her children: Pamela (Art), Lynn, Maria (Tim), Dorothea (Alan), James (Laura), Christina (Neil), and Sean (Heidi),14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Services for Agnes will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or Handmaker Home for the Aging in Tucson, AZ. The family wishes to thank the staff from both Handmaker and TMC Hospice for the loving care provided for Agnes in her final months of life.