Mary Jo Gallagher, a 50-year resident of Blue Lake, Ca., passed away September 16th in Walnut Creek. Born in 1949, she was a former resident of Orinda and attended St. Leo’s grammar school in Oakland and St. Joseph’s High School in Berkeley. She graduated from Holy Names College in 1971 and worked during that time as an employee in her parents’ store, Contra Costa Appliance, in Walnut Creek. She moved to Arcata in 1972 and began her career as a bookkeeper for Reliance Trailers. She later undertook employment at the Blue Lake Union Elementary School, where the highlight of her day was greeting the kids. “So, how are my ‘tots’ today?” she would announce, unerringly provoking affectionate grins. As an accomplished horsewoman in her youth, she was awarded numerous top honors riding her cherished Appaloosa, “Bravo”, in state and national shows. For the ensuing 30 years, he remained her close companion, along with her beloved dogs. Throughout her college years, she was an avid volunteer for the U.S.O. in Oakland. This experience contributed to her lifelong, passionate concern for the treatment and well-being of returning veterans. ‘Mare’ as she was often known, never left others in doubt about her thoughts. Plain-spoken with a quirky, often sideways sense of humor, she fearlessly made known her honest perceptions, making for many steadfast and loyal friendships that usually lasted a lifetime. Devoutly Roman Catholic, she was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Blue Lake until it closed two years ago, and then became a member of St. Mary in Arcata. She maintained a special intention for her parish of baptism, Santa Maria Church in Orinda. She is preceded in death by her father, James H. Gallagher, and leaves to grieve her mother, Barbara J. Gallagher; sisters Sandra Lee McCabe and Barbara A. Gallagher; nephew, David Formoso, nieces, Jennifer Formoso, Cassie McCabe and great-nephew, Alex Formoso, all Bay Area residents. She also leaves Scott Wilson and Mia Wilson, her “blessings from God.” Mass by Fr. Fred Riccio is to be held at 9:30 am on October 13 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, St, Cecilia Chapel, 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA. Interment to follow.
