Kathleen Crosby Gallagher

CENTERVILLE — Kathleen Crosby Gallagher, passed away at the Cape Regency Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Centerville, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, surrounded by her loving family. Kathleen suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

"Kaye" leaves behind her beloved husband of 57 years, Leonard J. Gallagher Jr. She is survived by her three children, Leonard J. III and his wife Helen, Ellen and her husband Richard Bowen, and Mark and his wife Laurie. Her family also includes five grandchildren, Todd and his wife Lisa, Leonard J. IV, Amy, Christopher, and Kathryn; and a great-grandson, Michael. She also leaves behind her brother, Richard Crosby of Barnstable, and her sisters, Jeanne Bernhardt of West Yarmouth and Anne McCarthy of Norwood, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Francis and Edward Crosby.

Raised in West Roxbury, Kathleen summered in West Yarmouth at Englewood. She lived with her family in Dedham and spent summers at Colonial Acres in West Yarmouth for more than 50 years, moving permanently to Cape Cod with her husband in 2004.

Kathleen was the valedictorian at her high school graduation from St. Patrick's and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston. Her teaching career spanned over 30 years and included teaching first grade for many years at the Oakdale School in Dedham. Kaye was a fantastic knitter and made sensational sweaters for her family and friends. Each year she knit a hat and pair of mittens for each of her first-grade students. Her dedication to her profession included serving as the president of the Dedham Teachers' Association and of the Dedham Parent-Teacher Association.

Kaye was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was most important to Kaye and watching her children and grandchildren racing sailboats on Lewis Bay was a favorite activity. She was a member of the Lewis Bay Yacht Club and was their secretary for many years, a member of the Hyannis Yacht Club, and the Junior League of Catholic Women in Boston. She was an avid reader and bridge player, and thoroughly enjoyed the theater, including her 55 seasons as a ticket holder at the Dennis Playhouse.

Kaye touched the lives of many people and was known for always having a smile on her face. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends who loved her unconditionally. We especially want to thank the staffs of Cape Regency and of Hospice, who were so dedicated and attentive in their care of her.

Visiting hours will be held at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel, Summer Street, Yarmouthport, on Monday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

Donations in memory of Kaye may be made to Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, 712 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, or to a charity of one's choice.

For more information, go to www.hallettfuneralhome.com.