Mary "May" Gallacher

Sadly after a brief illness, our Aunt May passed away at the home of her nephew Joe, surrounded by family throughout her short illness.

Born is Dalry, Scotland, she came to Canada in 1957 to join her sister Margaret (Joe Sklazeski) and family. Immediately she found employment- anxious to pay her own way and live independently. Taking night school classes, she was able to acquire the secretarial skills to improve her qualifications and was hired by the Ministry of Highways. Her next career move would be to the Ministry of Revenue to the position of Manager until her retirement. She was always proud of what she had achieved in her working life.

It was in her nature to be generous and that was reflected in the life she lived. Whether it be giving of her time or money, she supported a vast spectrum of charities and causes that were wide ranging - from human to environmental to community- she always wanted to share her good fortune in life.

Her deep faith was her constant companion and she was happily involved in her church and a member of the Catholic Women’s League for 32 years; with a smile she was always eager to help or lend a hand. She believed in volunteering and did so throughout the years. Whether making coffee at Bethany Nursing Home or delivering library books to shut-ins, she was available to be of assistance. She has volunteered for more than 30 years in the library community. Up until February, she had a weekly shift at the used bookstore operated by Friends of the Library.

She was always current in the news and world events and could be easily engaged in conversation. Reading was a lifelong interest and she enjoyed learning and exercising her mind. With phone calls, letters, cards and making holiday visits, she kept in contact faithfully with her family and friends in Scotland. On other vacations, she travelled Canada or abroad on group trips with friend Betty, to places near and far, always keen for an adventure.

Her calendar was full of what gave her the most happiness in her life- time with family and friends, outings to Magnus theatre, Thunder Bay Symphony, Thunder Bay Auditorium, movies, lunch and dinner dates, volunteering - being active and enjoying the day before her and always open to a last minute invitation.
She was predeceased by brothers Andrew, John and Daniel and sisters Netta and Margaret. She is survived by nieces Pat, Maggie and Mary and nephews Dan(Cheryl) Joe (Paula) Jim (Debbie) and Denis in Canada. Nieces Yvonne and Elaine and nephews Martin (Margaret) Johnny (Nan) in Scotland and niece Linda (Bruce) in England as well as other nieces, nephews and she was a great Aunt to many.

She will be greatly missed by Maggie who cherished her. Thanks to Paula for using her health experience to assist Aunt May over many years. Thank you to St. Elizabeth’s Care Group for providing kind and compassionate caregivers. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral led by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G. on Wednesday July 15th at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Interment will be in Scotland
“You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived”