Mary "Gallagher" Alban's Obituary
Mary Gallagher Alban, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator, passed away at the age of 83. Her life was a testament to resilience, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Mary was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a loving home with her parents, John and Theresa Gallagher, and her protective brothers, John and Eddie. Her parents instilled in her a sense of determination, a strong work ethic, and a devoted faith that she carried throughout her life. With parents emigrated from Ireland, Mary took immense pride in her Irish heritage. She found joy in Irish music, step-dancing, and a good Irish sweater. Her love for her culture and traditions was evident in every aspect of her life. She visited Ireland often and maintained close ties with family there.
Mary attended Bishop McDonald’s High School and St. Joseph’s College, where she studied Childhood Education. While in college, she met the love of her life, John Alban, at a St. Patrick’s dance in Manhattan. Their partnership flourished for decades as they built a beautiful life together on Long Island, raising four children: Kathleen, Thomas, Eileen, and James. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and strong values. John’s passing four and a half years ago left a profound void in her life, but Mary carried his memory with her every day.
Education was a cornerstone of Mary’s life. She deeply valued Catholic education and worked tirelessly to ensure her children received the best moral and academic foundation. She was active in the St. Frances de Chantal Church and school community in Wantagh, NY, and was a founding member of the Home-School Association. As a mother, Mary encouraged her children to pursue active outdoor pastimes, chaperoning them to tennis, swimming, basketball, ice skating, and Little League. As a dedicated teacher, Mary took immense pride in her work, inspiring her students with high expectations and a commitment to excellence.
Mary enjoyed decorating, shopping, and reading. After relocating from New York to Ashburn, Virginia, she forged new and cherished friendships, even starting a book club that continues to meet today.
Mary’s legacy lives on through her four children, her ten grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her indomitable spirit. She taught those around her to face challenges with determination, strive for their best, and approach life with generosity and courage.
Mary Gallagher Alban will be remembered for her sharp mind, loving heart, impeccable sense of style, and the enduring bonds she fostered among her family. She is now at peace, reunited with her beloved John, her hair and nails impeccably done, walking hand in hand, and watching over the family she loved so dearly.
She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.
Mary is survived by her four children, Kathleen Ward (Tom), Thomas Alban (Mary Beth), Eileen Annino, James Alban (Jean Marie),10 grandchildren (Jeanine, Kyle, John, Daniel, Connor, Michael, Jack, Madeleine, Brynn and Cara) and 3 great-grandchildren (Natalie, Declan and Adeline).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society https://pages.lls.org/ltn/coh/CntlOhio24/talban; https://www.lls.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org, Checks made payable to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can be mailed to Tom Alban 6229 Olentangy River Road Worthington, OH 43085.
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