Judith Sharon Gallagher

Judith Sharon Gallagher Jude is the firstborn child of Robert and Marian (deceased) Gallagher of Rio Oso, California. She was a playful, happy, loving young child when struck down with polio at age seven and spent many months at Children's Hospital in San Francisco recovering from the near death experience.

Never once was Jude heard to utter a word of complaint about her disability her entire life and was a major inspiration and role model to all. She was a beautiful, caring and loving person and, despite a lifetime of affliction, never considered herself handicapped. Jude had an incredibly beautiful spirit that permeated everyone's heart and attributed her integrity and leadership qualities to her strong family upbringing. She fought a valiant fight with cancer for the last sixteen years. Words can never express how much she will be missed by her family and her friends.

Jude was a wonderful and very proud mother and grandmother with a constant desire to spend as much time as possible with her daughter, Heidi, and grandson, Brenden, whom she loved and admired deeply. Her peaceful passing was complete with her daughter at her side.

Jude retired in February, 2012, after 37 years in federal service at the Naval Base in Port Hueneme, California. She received numerous prestigious honors and awards for her exemplary service and contributions to include the Outstanding Employee With a Disability for the Department of Defense (DoD).

Jude found great "Joy through Movement" focusing on the intrinsic energy within as an avid student and practitioner of Tai Chi Chih and also achieved the second level in Reiki.

Predeceased by: Mother Marian Gallagher; Brother Patrick Gallagher Survived by: Daughter Heidi Anne Irvine; Grandson Brenden Hebert; Father Robert Gallagher; Brothers Dennis Gallagher and Tim Gallagher; Sisters Roberta Halcomb, Dianne Changnon, and Kelly Hayes; Numerous nieces and nephews; Lifelong friends and recent caretakers Gloria Smith, Gloria Bransdor, Dee and Mike Knight, Arlene Cypher, and Marcella Kowitz.

To view and post pictures and tributes to Jude please go to: www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. August 15, 2012, in the U.S. Navy SeaBee Museum, 1001 Addor Street, Port Hueneme, Calif., 93043.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: Mercy Hospice, 1210 Deadra Dr., Lebanon, MO 65536, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Patrick Gallagher Music Scholarship, Yuba College Foundation, 2088 N. Beale Rd., Marysville, CA 95901.