Vivian Gilheany

Gilheany, Vivian
MECHANICVILLE - Vivian (Viv) T. Gilheany, 78, gained her wings on July 2, 2024, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with ALS.
She was born in Troy, daughter to the late Joseph (Peg) and Josephine (Pump) Palmer. She graduated from Mechanicville High School in 1964. She met her late husband Charles Gilheany at just 15 years old and they went on to marry in October 1967.
Viv loved people. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and was an instant friend to all she met. She was lucky to share a special friendship with her "clique" of girlfriends for over 70 years.
She was a fantastic cook and loved to spend time with her family at Jojo's Sunday's dinners, always sure to be the first in line.
Viv was a hairdresser early in life and then went on to be a homemaker for many years while her children were young. She also worked at the family business, Gilheany's Sports World but was most known for her infectious smile and friendliness while working at Eckerd in Mechanicville for many years.
She loved to vacation and travel and spent many years with her companion, Charles Salvato in Arizona for the winter months.
Viv was always happiest spending time with the people she loved. She was an entertainer, hosting large parties and holidays and always making everyone feel at home.
She was the perfect mix of welcoming and unfiltered which drew people to her. She was loved deeply by so many including her sister, Joann (Ed) Russell; her brothers, Philip (Donna) and Pat (Roe) Palmer; her sister-in-law, Mariann (Chum) Kerls; and many nieces, nephews and friends both near and far.
Viv was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, Josh Gilheany and Erin (Mike) Bandaru. She especially loved her role as "Gaga" to her grandchildren who she adored and held the most special bond with, Cierra (Kyle), Caeden, Natalie, Olivia and Jack.
Even through the toughest days, Viv kept a sense of humor, a smile on her face and a deep faith in her heart.
She was especially grateful for the daily visits by her friends and family and so many others who checked in and stopped by regularly.
Viv was a lifelong communicant of All Saints on the Hudson in Mechanicville and a past member of the Junior Dante Club.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all who showed such care and concern for her especially Gabby, her case manager at the ALS center, Fr. Marty, Dr. Dan Sooriabalan, Annah, Colleen and Reverend Mike from Community Hospice, and the many nurses and therapists from the VNA who visited her early on. Everyone's support was instrumental to all of us and we can never thank you enough.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 7th from 2 – 5 p.m., at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St., Mechanicville, N.Y. 12118. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., on Monday at All Saints on the Hudson Church (St. Paul's) in Mechanicville with a burial to follow at Saratoga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the ALS Center at St. Peter's so they can continue to be an amazing resource for those in need in our local community. Visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com to leave condolences, share memories and photos, and for directions.