Mary D. Galloway, 85, of Galesburg, died peacefully Saturday, April 18, 2020 at her home with her family by her side.
Mary was born on September 15, 1934 in Galesburg, the daughter of Philip A. and Annie (Drinkall) Weinberg. She married William G. “Gale” Galloway. He preceded her in death on January 20, 1988.
Mary and Gale’s marriage brought two daughters, Debbie (Joe) Steck of Galesburg and Lori (Mark) Walker of Dahinda; four grandchildren, Shad (Jennifer) Steck of Galesburg, Jamie (Kyle) Morrissey of Cedar Rapids, IA, Nicholas Walker of Villa Park, and Matthew Walker of St. Louis, MO; and five great grandchildren, Tyler, Ellanor, Easton, Hudson, and Leo.
Mary was a nurse and then worked at the Ida Ann Shoppe (owned by her parents) until it closed. She loved to work in her yard, time with her craft group, and getting together with her classmates from Shattuck -St. Mary’s School and Galesburg High School from which she graduated in 1952.
Mary never met a stranger and was a kind and gentle woman who had a heart to serve others. She was a member, holding several official positions, with the Junior Women’s Club of Galesburg. She then joined the Pilot Club of Galesburg where she was very active and held several positions. She volunteered at FISH Food Pantry. She was a Hospice volunteer and particularly cherished her time at the Children’s Grief Camp. Mary was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow through the Rotary Club of Galesburg. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg. She loved to sing and did so in her high school choir and with her church choir. Mary volunteered at the Welcome Center of Galesburg where she gave tours of the city. She loved family game nights and had a tradition of taking each of her grandchildren school supply shopping prior to the beginning of each new school year. Mary loved to take care of dogs when family, friends, and neighbors were away from home. She loved to feed people, and the dogs she was taking care of, and felt that the proper ending to every meal should involve ice cream. But most of all, Mary loved her family. She would attend sporting events, choir concerts, Grandparents Days, and graduations with great pride.
Due to social distancing limitations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic no formal visitation will be held, however, friends may pay their respects from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Private family funeral service will be held. Jordan Knight, Hospice Compassus Chaplain will officiate. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choosing. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the guest book and leave a memory for Mary at www.watsonthomas.com.
