V. Gayle Gallagher, of Ripon, CA, age 81 died of natural causes on January 8, 2024. Gayle was born on March 2, 1942, in San Francisco, CA to parents Robert D. and Virginia M. Crawford.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Sherman Nelson (Louise) and her grandson Brian Gallagher (Christine). She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 62 years Edwin Gallagher, sister Louise Nelson (Sherman), son Robert (Faith), son Aaron (Pamela) and daughter Tiffany Louise Gallagher. She is also survived by grandchildren Theresa Gallagher (Carl), Kelly Grider (Justin) and Bailey Gallagher. Gayle’s great grandchildren include Eleanor & Henry Grider (Kelly and Justin) and Anthony Gallagher (Brian and Christine). Gayle was affectionately known as GG to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gayle attended primary and high school in Modesto, CA and then Modesto Junior College where she met the love of her life, Edwin. They married in 1961. Gayle and Ed’s marriage is the consummate example of a true love affair that continues to serve as an example of a couple in unconditional and everlasting love. After the arrival of sons; Robert and Aaron she went on to earn her B.A. (1969), M.ED. (1974), and an Ed.D. (1980) degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She began teaching grades 4 – 6 in 1970 at Alpine School in Lodi, CA and in 1977 began serving as a School Administrator in Modesto, Ceres, and Atwater School Districts. In 1975 Gayle and Ed adopted their beloved daughter, Tiffany Louise, which made their beautiful family finally feel complete. In 2009 Gayle and Ed relocated to Montana. Gayle enjoyed family adventures with Ed and her children that included “crazy Sunday drives” through the CA Delta and foothills, camping, vacations in Baja, California, Mexico, and summers spent on the lake and houseboating. When Ed and Gayle began their retirement adventure at the Family Retreat in Montana (a.k.a. “The Secret Ranch”) in 2008, Gayle was known for her tenuous relationship with the local bears. However, in time, the relationship stabilized and she very much enjoyed spending time there, especially when her children, grandchildren and extended family members were able to join in on the fun. Gayle was an accomplished artist whose work in various mediums include ceramics, fused glass, sandblasted glass, and multidisciplinary painting styles such as fine silk, canvas, and tole painting. Her legacy lives on in her large body of artwork, the memories made with her children and grandchildren, and her gigantic impact on those who love her. To have known her was truly to see a unique and beautiful soul who saw the world through shimmering, diamond-framed lenses.
In lieu of flowers, Gayle’s family is requesting that donations be made in her name to Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation. Donations may be sent to CHHS Foundation at 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95365 or online at Give.hospiceheart.org.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, January 20, 2024
