Mary E. Gallagher, 56, of Damariscotta, passed away at her home on the afternoon of June 27, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the daughter of David W. Chapman and Madeline (Hewett) Chapman, born in Damariscotta on April 13, 1951.
Mary attended grade school in Damariscotta and continued her education at Lincoln Academy, where she participated in extra curricular activities, including music and field hockey. She graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1969, and continued her education at Westbrook College, graduating in 1971.
She married John Gallagher, her childhood sweetheart and soul mate, on Aug. 30, 1969.
She worked as a bookkeeper for her father, David Chapman, in his insurance agency, The David Chapman Agency, and Western Auto Store businesses until she and her husband purchased the business in 1981. Together, John and Mary continued to run both businesses. In 2000, they sold their Auto Parts business, and to this day continued to run the Insurance Agency.
Mary was a passionate member of the C.L.C Ambulance Service for 30 years, 20 of those years were with her husband on their regular Wednesday night shift. As an EMT, she gave countless time to those in need throughout the county.
She enjoyed life and participated in many activities, including snow and water skiing, scuba diving, motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and playing golf and field hockey. She worked for, and earned a general class ham radio license and operated for 25 years as station KA1CQA.
She was a lifelong parishioner at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle and for many years served as a Cub Scout leader.
Mary was always helping other people. When she was diagnosed with melanoma, she and John journeyed to MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, Tex. While there, she made medical history when her cerebral spinal fluid cancer cells were the first to be grown outside the body for research and drug development. This will hopefully lead to the future development of a vaccine that will save many lives. Mary was aware that this potential treatment might not come in time to save her, but endured many procedures in hopes that the pain she experienced might help others later.
She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years and their three children, Ryan Gallagher, David Gallagher and wife Joanna, and Sarah Leeman, all of Damariscotta; her father, David Chapman of Damariscotta; sister, Priscilla (Chris) Chapman and partner Elaine Cyr of Harpswell; grandsons, Adam and Matthew Leeman; brother-in-law, James Gallagher and wife Barbara of Damariscotta and their children; brother-in-law, Ralph Gallagher and wife Dori of North Windham and their children; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Friends were invited to be with the family 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Sun., July 1 at Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
Funeral Mass 11 a.m., Mon., July 2 at St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle, with Rev. Alfred Irving officiating.
If desired, the family asks that donations be made to the Mary E. Gallagher EMS Scholarship Fund, c/o Kathe Cheska, Lincoln Academy, 81 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553. This scholarship will be used to help students follow a career in Emergency Medical Services.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
