Connie Carlson Gallacher

Connie Carlson Gallacher entered eternal rest on October 2, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA, at the age of 73. She was born August 30, 1952, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Helen (Betty) Kiel and Dr. William (Bill) Richard Carlson.

Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Connie attended Christ the King School and graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1970. She earned her bachelor's degree in Art Education from Bowling Green State University in 1974, where she met the love of her life, Scott Gallacher. They married later that year and moved to Virginia Beach in 1975 to be near the ocean.

Connie began her teaching career at First Colonial High School and later taught at Cox High School until retiring in 2006. A passionate educator, she led after-school gifted programs, founded the school's first crew team, and took students abroad to experience art and architecture firsthand. She also led the Neptune Festival Youth Art Show and actively supported the arts community in Hampton Roads.

Family was Connie's greatest joy. She adored raising her children, Hunter and Megan, and cherished time with her grandchildren, Tom and Grace, especially baking cookies, planting in the garden, and hosting tea parties. Her wisdom, kindness, and warmth touched everyone she met.

An active community member, Connie volunteered as a CCD teacher and greeter at Holy Family Church and gave over 4,000 hours to the USO at Norfolk Airport, earning a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also involved in her local garden club, ladies golf association, civic league, book club, and Bible study.

Connie will be remembered for her unwavering trustworthiness, her deep care for others, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She created space for others to feel valued and loved.

Connie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Scott; her son LTC Hunter Gallacher (Kelley); her daughter Megan Wells (Tom IV); grandchildren Tom V and Grace; siblings Tom Carlson (Monica), Ron Carlson (Linda), and Marybeth Roe (Greg); in-laws Carolyn Gallacher (Ed) and Steven Gallacher (Helen); many nieces, nephews, extended family, and beloved foreign exchange students, including Alberto Alfageme and Jule Klatt.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Sentara Virginia Beach General and VOA for their care during Connie's courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. They also thank the many friends and family for their continued cards, flowers, meals, hugs, and support during this whole four-and-a-half year journey.

A visitation will be held on Thursday October 9th from 5-7:30 pm at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. Her life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at Church of the Holy Family on Saturday October 11 at 11 AM, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Norfolk Airport USO, 2 South Oncology at Virginia Beach General, Spinclusion or Church of the Holy Family.