Helen Gallagher

Helen Reynolds Gallagher, 90, formerly of Elizabeth, NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022 after a long illness.
She was born in Caldervale (Fin Me Oot) Scotland on April 20, 1932, and was tenth of twelve children of Francis and Lottie Reynolds. She immigrated to the United States on Christmas Day 1960 to join her sister Jane. Despite growing up two towns 35 miles apart, Helen met her husband at the Irish Club in Kearny, NJ in the mid 1960’s. The night she met Tommy Gallagher, her future father-in-law, Charlie, danced her first in hopes of finding a bride for his young widowed son. Tommy and Helen were married on May 6, 1967 and welcomed three more children.
Prior to her retirement, Helen worked at Hoffman-La Roche Nutley, NJ and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Elizabeth, NJ. In between, she stayed at home for 15 years raising her children. She was an avid reader, walker and loved to attend dances at the Irish and Scottish clubs in Kearny as well as the Knights of Columbus in Elizabeth. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish and Ancient Order of Hibernians both of Elizabeth, NJ. Tommy and Helen moved to Lebanon, NJ in 2000 and lived by the Round Valley Reservoir, which they walked daily in their retirement. They were also active members of the Hunterdon County Seniors. They enjoyed their retirement, especially going home to Scotland as often as they could. Above all else, Helen loved her family, children and grandchildren. She happily spent her retirement years with her grandchildren, as they were her greatest joy in life.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Thomas “Tommy” Gallagher; her five children, sons Thomas Charles, John, Francis, and Stephen Gallagher and her daughter Isabella Anne Tabor. Her nine grandchildren: Strawberry, Patrick, Sean, Cristina, Jennifer, and Leslie Gallagher and Harrison, Lauren and Owen Tabor. Her younger sisters Annie Gaittens of Blantyre, Scotland, and Jane O’Connell of Clifton, NJ. She also had many nieces, nephews and extend family in Scotland and the United States.
In addition to her parents Francis and Lottie, she was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Patrick, Catherine, Sarah, Francis, Robert, Mary, Charlotte, Joseph, and John Reynolds and her oldest niece Catherine Bradley (whom was affectionally known as #13).
Calling hours will take place on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 4-8pm at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 59 Main Street, High Bridge, NJ. Interment will be private. 

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