Obituaries

Margaret “Marge” (Chigas) Gallagher, 87 years young and of Old Forge, passed away Saturday at the Green Ridge Health Care Center in Scranton, after an illness. She’s now reunited with the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Wm. J. “Red” Gallagher, who preceded her in death on December 20, 2015.
Born on September 23, 1934 and raised in Taylor, Marge was the daughter of the late Michael and Susan (Mandichak) Chigas. A week after graduation from the former Taylor High School, Class of 1952, she married her beloved Red. Shortly afterward the couple would begin their family, raising four children.
By the age of 12 years old, Marge had already lost both parents. Through strong faith and a tireless work ethic, she persevered through any obstacle to ever come her way. Her work ethic was certainly lifelong, having handled bookkeeping for her brother-in-law, Edmund Tappan, to working for Scranton Wireworks to being a longtime employee of Cook’s Wholesale Market.
Marge was absolutely full of life. Her humor was amazing, even until her final days, and her loving ways and graciousness to others were infectious. Marge loved baking and cooking and feeding anyone who ever set foot in her home. She loved to read, even several books at a time, and the Pennsylvania Lottery just lost their most loyal Match 6 player upon her passing. Memories of her love for sappy Hallmark Christmas movies and all cowboy movies, especially those containing John Wayne, will forever remain with her loved ones.
Above anything else came both her devoted faith (a longtime member of the former St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Old Forge) and adoration for her family. Passing away on her own terms and reunited with Red, she would have it no other way.
She is survived by her children, Bill Gallagher and wife, Linda of Taylor; Michael Gallagher and wife, Roxanne of Jefferson Twp.; and Maureen Gallagher of Royersford; a grandson; a great grandson; Debra Schlegel, who she considered a second daughter; Chelsea Thomas, who she considered a granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
A son, Kevin P. Gallagher; and siblings, infants Michael and Betty Jane Chigas, Mary Thubborn, Ann Tappan, Irene Gilboy and Dorothy Kayser, also preceded her in death.
The Gallagher family wishes to thank the entire staff of Green Ridge Health Care Center for ensuring Marge was treated with exceptional care, kindness and compassion throughout her stay.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Church Parish, 704 Montdale Rd, Scott Twp., 18447, to be celebrated by Pastor and dear family friend, Rev. Dr. Michael Kirwin. Private interment, St. Mary’s Byzantine Cemetery in Taylor.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marge’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.
Marge would be happy knowing her arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.