Mary Lou Gallagher

Mary Lou Gallagher, (92) passed away May 25 2025 under hospice care at Highlands Place, Inverness, FL. She was born in Port Tampa Florida on March 5 1933, to William Oscar Kelley and Lucy Catherine Gordy Kelley. Mary was raised in Port Tampa FL until the love of her life, Eugene Leo Gallagher, an Air Force airman, stationed at MacDill AFB walked up to her car. They were married on Nov. 8 1950, when she was 17 years old. She was an Air Force wife for 22 years, traveling across the country and raising a family. Mary and Eugene retired in Tampa Florida and then moved to Inverness FL , where they volunteered at Citrus Memorial Hospital for many years, using her creative talents decorating the hospital for the holidays. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucy Kelley, her brother Mason Clark Kelley and her husband of 57 years, Eugene Leo Gallagher. She is survived by her 5 children: Dona Strickland, Lake Panasoffkee; Mark (Teresa) Gallagher, Summerville, S. C. ; Susan (Dennis) De La Paz, Homosassa, FL; Lori (David) De La Paz, Crawfordville, FL; and David Gallagher, Ocala, FL. ; 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Per Mary’s request, in lieu of a funeral, the family kindly requests that you celebrate Mary Gallagher’s life privately in your own way and consider donating to St. Jude’s in her memory.  Mary will be laid to rest privately beside her husband in Florida National Cemetery.  Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory was in charge.