Wilma Gallagher

The family of Wilma Louise Gallagher (née Root) mourns her passing at age 88 on Aug. 28, 2024 at her home in Carson City, Michigan. Born Sep. 2, 1935 in Lakeview, she lived a life characterized by an unwavering dedication to her family, her decades-long friendships, and her work. Wilma’s career was one of committed community service, most notably as Executive Administrative Assistant at Carson City Hospital for many years before retiring in 2001. After retiring, she found pleasure in tending her flowers, watching birds that visited her backyard feeders each day, completing crossword puzzles in her easy chair, meeting friends for card games, and cheering on the Tigers. But nothing seemed to please her more than making her famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and popcorn balls that were a hit with family and Trick-or-Treaters alike. Wilma was the consummate giver. She always made sure her children and grandchildren took leftovers home after the holidays and she welcomed newcomers to the family as if they had been there all along. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they visited, and she delighted in pulling out the old box of toys she kept from their parents’ childhood. Wilma is survived by her children, Todd (Rebecca) Gallagher, Lisa (Dan) Neuhaus, Brett (Deann) Gallagher, and Blake (Brian) Gallagher; siblings, Vernon (Vicki) Root and Marilyn Brown; grandchildren, Colin (Emily), Brad (Courtney), Brennon (Shelby), Kassandra, Angie, and Leezamarie Gallagher, Amanda and John (Jodi) McClintock, Riley (Carol), Taylor (Dan), Ethan, and Isabelle Gallagher; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Buster” Gallagher; her son, Troy Gallagher; her parents, George and Agnes (Mathersen) Root; and her sisters, Vivian Terry, and Erma Root. Graveside memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Carson City with a Celebration of Life luncheon at St. Mary’s hall immediately following. In reflecting on Wilma’s life, her family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the wisdom, love, and care she provided. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will endure in the memories of those who were blessed to have known her. Contributions in memory of Wilma may be directed to University of Michigan Health Sparrow Hospice. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Wilma’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilma Gallagher, please visit our flower store.