Our family’s world became a little smaller when Donna Mae Malis Gallagher, 90, of Herman, passed away quietly in her sleep at Concordia Living Center in Cabot on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
Born at Butler Memorial Hospital on June 28, 1934, to the late Joseph and Rose Cornibe Malis, Donna was raised on the South Side of Butler.
She married George A. Gallagher in 1952. Donna and George built a beautiful home in Herman, where they raised four children. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great-grandmother.
Donna was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church.
She loved her family dearly, and everyone was always welcomed into her home, where she hosted many outstanding holiday meals. Her meals and baked goods were incredible, and her family is grateful for the many ethnic traditions she passed on to them.
Donna loved Christmas, and her home was elaborately decorated, inside and out. For many years she provided seasonal Christmas music that echoed through the small community where she lived. Several times she was visited by the Pennsylvania State Police, who asked her to lower the volume, or she would be cited with a noise violation!
She enjoyed her trips to Europe and Hawaii with family and friends.
Most times, though, she could be found searching for her favorite antiques and collectibles with her dear friends, Donna, Beverly and Sis.
She is survived by her children, Patrick Gallagher, of Butler, Teresa Cypher and her husband, Jack, of Monongahela, Pa., David Gallagher and his wife, Amy, of Butler, and Greg Gallagher and his wife, Cheri, of Butler; one brother, Joe Schneider and his wife, Nancy, of North East, Pa.; one sister-in-law, Marianne Malis, of Butler; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A beloved cousin, Joyce Cicco, who was raised alongside Donna, also survives.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Gallagher, who passed away Oct. 4, 1995; and one brother, Joe “Ronnie” Malis.
Friends will be received at Martin Funeral Home, 429 Center Ave., Butler, on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 821 Herman Rd., Butler, with Rev. Matt McClain officiating.
Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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