Caitlin Leigh Gallagher

On February 17, 2026, the beautiful, creative, and tenderhearted Caitlin Leigh passed away in Nazaré, Portugal — a place that seemed made for her. Like that small surf town, she was naturally stunning, free in spirit, and lived with authentic charm.

Caitlin, affectionately known by many as "Kiki," was born in Washington, DC, grew up in Maryland, and lived many years in Wrightsville Beach, NC, after graduating from UNCW. She was the devoted daughter of Susan (née Gammarino) of Laurel, MD, and Charles, who preceded her in death. She was a nurturing Dog Mom to Boo, her beloved chocolate lab; an adored granddaughter; a loving niece to her aunts and uncles, treasuring her special bond with Aunt Mary and Aunt Florence of Washington, DC; and dearly loved by her twelve cousins and their families.

To Kelly (née Gallagher) Cardamone of Aldie, VA, she was a loyal sister, bonded by their dreams, memories and friendship that neither time nor loss can change. Caitlin routinely went to her "big brother” Frank, for advice and infectious laughter. In her most treasured role, she was the fun aunt, making the world more magical for her niece and nephew, Fia and Leo.

From an early age, Caitlin lived with imagination and intention. Her childhood was built outside — exploring the woods with friends, caring for animals (a trait from her mom), learning gymnastics, and playing softball (inspired by her dad). She was an artist at heart, expressing herself through design and fashion, with a keen, imaginative eye that was uniquely her own. Caitlin treasured the realness of life. Friendships forged in honesty. Music that meant something. Seashells, personal letters, wildflowers, art sketches, vintage store finds, and photographs of moments worth keeping. Caitlin collected what was genuine.

A true eternal mermaid, she was always up for adventure, especially near the ocean, and was smart, witty, and quick to laugh. Caitlin held her opinions with conviction, shaped not by what she was told but by what she discovered herself. That fierce curiosity drove her to graduate early from high school, study in Hawaii, spend summers working in Avalon, NJ, earn her interior design degree, and wander through Europe with open eyes and an open heart. She was, in every sense, authentically herself — a refreshing and quietly radical way to move through this world.

Caitlin was excited about her plans to move back to the US in March to be closer to friends and family. She intentionally made the most of her remaining time in Portugal, hiking local oceanside cliffs to view the towering waves that Nazaré is known for. During her daily walks, she would light candles for loved ones at Our Lady of Nazaré Sanctuary, and recently helped a lost dog find its way home. Caitlin made regular visits to the “very sweet” owner of her rental property, bouquet of market flowers in hand. To the delight of the owner, Caitlin decorated the premises with holiday lights in the tradition of her long-held belief that "There is no such thing as too many lights!", continuing to enjoy their sparkle well into the new year. These were not grand gestures — they were Caitlin. Small, intentional, radiant acts of care.

Caitlin loved her friends, gave her heart freely, and openly accepted people just as they were. If she crossed your path during any of her many journeys, know that she loved you. She will be profoundly missed and remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at a later date. In Caitlin's memory, donations can be made to the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project (wbstp.org) via PayPal, or by mail at: The Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project, P.O. Box 114, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.