Sally M. Gallagher

Sally M. Gallagher, 85, passed away on January 6, 2024 in Rockford, Illinois. She was born in Savanna, Illinois on February 3, 1938, daughter to Felipe and Maria (De La Cruz) Ruiz. After coming to Rockford, she married the love of her life, James Gallagher, in April of 1960 and they shared 44 years of marriage before his passing in September of 2004. She spent several years working at K-Mart at the customer service desk before retirement. Sally was a longtime parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Sally took immense pride in her family, cherishing moments with her growing kids and embracing the role of everyone's "mom" who entered her open door. Sally was always ready with a home - cooked meal for anyone who entered. Sally loved going shopping and joining in on activities with her children. These activities were not just for herself, she made sure to create lasting memories for her grandchildren too. Sally found joy in immersing herself in the pages of a good book, practicing the art of sewing, taking brief vacations and tending to her flower gardens, where moments of tranquility blossomed amidst the blooms.

She is survived by those who loved her most, her children Steve (Sue), Jeff (Tina), Julia, Paul (Tracy) and Ellen (David) Gill; her grandchildren Cody (Lilia), Dalton, Taylor (Ty) Tanker, James, and Isabellah; great grandson Silas and a great granddaughter on the way; siblings Cora Ruiz, Lawrence (Jan) Ruiz, Alice Guzman and brothers-in-law Mike (Karen) Gallagher and Jack (Mary) Gallagher. She is predeceased by her husband; her son Sean Gallagher; siblings Bob and Connie, sister-in-law Janet (Dick) and brother-in-law Rudy Guzman.

A visitation will take place on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the rosary, 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago Illinois. We kindly request attendees to wear a touch of yellow as it was the color of roses her loving husband James sent her every year. Yellow symbolizes the warmth, joy, and positivity that she brought into his life. Let us gather in a blooming tribute to celebrate the warmth, joy, and love that Sally shared with everyone around her. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com