Mar 27, 2022

Elsie K. “Dutch” Gallagher, 90, of McMurray, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 21, 2022.

Beloved wife of the late Bernard Bradley “Brad” Gallagher. Loving mother of Nancy Gallagher (Paul) Stadler of New Freedom, Joanne Karlene Gallagher (pre-deceased at age five), Bernard Bradley (Sandra-deceased) Gallagher, Jr. of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Jane Ellen Gallagher of McMurray. Cherished grandmother of Megan Stadler (Ralph) Calafati, Daniel Stadler, and Jacob Gallagher. Adoring great-grandmother of Reece, Luca and Colton Calafati. Sister of the late Robert, Julia, Esther, Russell, Marge, Paul, Grace, and Erwin. Daughter of the late Walter and Marie Klasen. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Her grandmother called her the “glue” of the large family and her children remember many happy family gatherings with cousins. She loved having Brad’s family and many friends visit. This hospitality made for many connections and there are many second and third cousins known to each other.

Dutch was born on November 7, 1931, in Madison, Ohio. Later her family moved to Carlton, where her father was a farmer and her mother was a practical nurse.

Dutch graduated from the nurses training program at Meadville City Hospital in 1952, and decided to complete her nursing degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. However, she met the love of her life, Brad, married and had 61 years of a beautiful marriage.

Dutch worked as a psychiatric nurse and was the union representative for Pennsylvania Nurses Association at Mayview State Hospital. She always felt that this work allowed her to advocate for the safety and care of her patients and also her fellow nurses. She will be missed by all. Her family is comforted in knowledge that she is with her beloved husband, daughter, siblings and parents.

Arrangements by Beinhauers.

Family and Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April, 3rd. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 4th. Interment to follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arthritis Foundation P.O. Box 96280 Washington, DC 20077.

Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com