Geraldine "Gerry" Gallagher

Geraldine “Gerry” (Baker) Gallagher, age 90 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Pioneer Golden Estates Assisted Living Home in Clare. On September 8, 1931, Gerry was born one of three daughters to Edward and Mary (Newcomb) Baker in St. Louis, MI. She was united in marriage to Lyle Gallagher on September 10, 1949 in her hometown of St. Louis, and together the pair shared just over sixty-five wonderful years of marriage until Lyle’s passing in May of 2015. Not long after their union, Gerry and Lyle moved to Clare in the early 1950’s, and together they founded Gallagher Transport—their bulk milk hauling business. For fifty-plus years, Lyle hauled and delivered milk and Gerry managed the business’ bookkeeping and finances until they eventually sold the business to LaLone Transport in the mid ‘90’s. Gerry was an accomplished seamstress and pianist, and she also enjoyed spending time outdoors working on her various yard projects. She took her homemaking role very seriously, and her tidy and meticulous nature grew to be somewhat of local lore. Gerry was a charter member of the MMMC-Clare Hospital Auxiliary, and she was an active member of both the Clare UMC and Clare Sorority. She always cherished time spent with friends at their Higgins Lake cottage and winter home in Englewood,FL. But, those that knew Gerry best, knew that her family was what she always held closest. Gerry is survived by her children Steven (Alison) Gallagher of Elk Rapids and Stephanie (Jim) Cooper of Harrison and her grandchildren Michelle Gallagher, Stacey (Tom) Sapp, Matthew (Mary) Cooper, Katherine (Sam) Russell, Michael (Eva) Piana, and Marc Piana. Other survivors include her eight great-grandchildren Kyle, Anna, and Bryn Sapp, Samantha and Jayce Russell, Lucas and Haley Cooper, and Carter Piana and her dear nieces Diane Colbry and Pattie (Stan) Simmons. Gerry was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, her daughter Shelly Harden, her parents Edward and Mary Baker, her sisters Betty Maki and Mary Alice Baker, and her son-in-law Donald Harden. Funeral Services in honor of Gerry will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Jackie Raineri officiating. Friends may visit the Gallagher family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:30 A.M. to the time of service at 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Gerry may be directed to the Clare United Methodist Church. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com The Gallagher family would like to express their huge gratitude to the entire staff of Pioneer Golden Estates for the gentle love, compassion, and care given to Gerry over the last year.

Geraldine "Gerry" Gallagher

September 8, 1931 - October 25, 2021