Eleanor Miriam Gallagher

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, Eleanor Miriam Gallagher, 81, of Nanticoke peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends.

Eleanor was born Aug. 3, 1933, in Nanticoke, and was the youngest daughter of Eric and Margaret Mann. She was a graduate of Nanticoke High School and held many jobs, including positions at American Chain and Cable, Nanticoke Hospital and Clarks Summit State Hospital. However, her most favorite and loved position was her role as the "lunch lady" at John S. Fine High School. Eleanor was known and loved by students and staff alike, and could always be counted on for a quick smile, a kind word and an extra helping.

After her retirement, she continued to be active and served as a foster grandparent with the Nanticoke School District. Eleanor was a regular blood donor to the American Red Cross who took great pride in knowing that her sought-after blood type was often used for infants in need.

Eleanor's greatest passion was her family, and she provided a loving and nurturing home for multiple generations. She could always be counted on for a listening ear and was the calm and safe port in times of adversity. She delighted in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, and was their biggest cheerleader. She was affectionately known to one and all as "Nana" and was loved by all who knew her for her gentle spirit, quiet strength and kind heart.

Eleanor was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and the family firmly believes that the recent separation of Dick LeBeau and the Steelers' poor performance this season might have inadvertently contributed to her demise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eric and Margaret Mann, and brother, Eric Mann.

Eleanor is survived by her two best friends, daughter, Sheila Gallagher, with whom she resided, and sister, Mary Lou Andrews; daughter, Linda and husband, Michael; son, Shawn and wife, Jen; grandchildren, Nicole, Marissa, Chelsea, Sean, Cory, Shayne and Taylor; great-grandchildren, John Michael and Emilie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the nursing staff of the fourth floor orthopaedic unit at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for their never-ending kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Candy's Place or the American Red Cross.

Eleanor touched many lives and spread kindness and compassion wherever she went. We can think of no better way to honor the exemplary life that she led than by asking that you consider performing a random act of kindness for a fellow human being and smile.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the First Primitive Methodist Church of Nanticoke, 101 E. Church St., Nanticoke.

Arrangements are by Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home Inc., 14 W. Green St., Nanticoke.