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Susan Gallagher Obituary
September 24, 1944 - December 30, 2023
Born to Alice (Reilly) and Edward Smith in San Francisco, Susan Jane (Smith) Gallagher spent her entire life in the Bay Area. She attended Star of the Sea Academy and graduated from Mission High School. A non-traditional student, Susan earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from California State University at Hayward, after raising her children as a single parent. She spent the next 30-plus years working as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, until her retirement in March 2020.
Susan celebrated over 39 years of sobriety, living one day at a time, working her steps. Alcoholics Anonymous and its tenets were central to the peace she found in her later years.
Susan is survived by her children, Alicia Reilly (Beth Vincent), Elaine (Andy) Carr, and Ed (Leonor) Gallagher; grandchildren, Emily (Ryan) Osur, Stephanie (Sudesh) Chinniah, Chaz Gallagher, Shane (Dasha) Gallagher, Brenna Gallagher, and Megan Gallagher; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Alice "Sally" (Doug) Spencer; and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Edward "Rich" Smith and David Smith.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming months (date and location TBD), and Susan's ashes will be scattered in a private, family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan's name to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealz.org). If you are a member of AA, please consider a donation to the SF/Marin AA Service Center (aasfmarin.org/donations/individual-contributions), or Contra Costa Alcoholics Anonymous Service Center (contracostaaa.org/donate/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Gallagher
Sponsored by Fernwood Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory.
6 Entries
Marisa Leto
February 13, 2024
Dear Gallagher Family,
Sending sincere and loving condolences at the loss of your beloved Mother. Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Friend .
I worked with Susan for 10 years in the 90's and will never forget her, or her big joyous laugh, her enduring love for her family, her keen thoughtfulness, and generosity. She crafted lovely baby blankets for my now 26 year old adult child, which we still cherish.
I haven't had contact with her in 10 years, and am still pained at learning of her passing.
She talked lovingly of her family all the time. May that love buoy you at this time.
Love,
Marisa Leto
Debra Criner
January 1, 2024
It was an honor to have met and known this woman. She was a great Mother who was always kind to her children's friends. For that I truly grateful.
Pat Gallagher
December 31, 2023
Susan was a special friend for most of my life. We were married to brothers and our children have always been close friends.
She was witty, funny, smart and generous in every way. Our world is a better place because she was here.
Connie and Steven Jezierny
December 31, 2023
May her memory be a blessing, our sincere condolences.
Connie and Steve
The Jezierny Family
December 31, 2023
May her memory be a blessing, our sincere condolences,
Connie and Steve
Michael & Terrie Nicalek
December 31, 2023
Ali, we are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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