Donna Gallagher

Donna Gallagher obituary, Joliet, IL

Donna Gallagher

Upcoming Events

Nov

10

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL

Send Flowers

Nov

10

Service

12:00 p.m.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL

Send Flowers

Donna Gallagher Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel on Nov. 6, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Obituary of Donna Gallagher
Donna Gallagher, age 87, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at her home. She was born on August 22, 1938, to the late Paul and Nellie Marie (nee Stormer) Murtha.
Donna was born and grew up in Johnstown, PA, where she graduated from Bishop McCort High School. A faithful member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Joliet, Donna lived her faith through kindness, compassion, and devotion, to those she loved.
She was an avid sports fan, always cheering on her favorite teams - the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.
She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a proud step-grandmother and step-great-grandmother. As a dedicated homemaker, she found joy in caring for her family and creating a welcoming home filled with love and laughter. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Donna is survived by her loving sons, Tom (Rose) Gallagher and Dan (Angela) Gallagher; her beloved step-granddaughters, Amanda (Robert) Luciano, and Ashley Ward; two beloved step-great-grandchildren Ronan and Aria Luciano; her dear sister, Gayle Marie Weir, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, also survive.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas B. Gallagher; brothers, Anthony Murtha, in infancy, Paul Murtha, Dick Murtha, and her sister, Sharon Balough.
Visitation for Donna Gallagher will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 12 Noon, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.,) Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet, IL.
The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Please click on this link () and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donna's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Donna Gallagher's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Nov

10

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL

Send Flowers

Nov

10

Service

12:00 p.m.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL

Send Flowers