Denise Gallagher

After a valiant and dignified battle with cancer, Denise Gallagher died June 29, 2008 at home surrounded by her loving husband and sons. She was 51 years old. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and loyal friend.

Born in Marion, Ohio, she lived in places as diverse as Germany, South Carolina, the New York City area, and North Texas, but always considered Manhasset home. Denise embraced life with a passion and joy that led her to truly make every day matter. She loved to travel with her husband, friends, and family, especially to Disney World and New York City, two of her favorite places on earth. And she loved her beagle Buster and her puggle Rory.

Denise Gallagher was an accomplished paralegal in family law in South Carolina. Prior to being diagnosed with endometrial cancer a year ago, she had begun taking classes to fulfill her dream of becoming a family therapy counselor. As an exceptional listener and problem-solver, she would have been terrific.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; son and daughter-in-law Bryan and Anne of Greenville, S.C.; son Micah of Greenville, S.C.; sons Trevor and Matthew of Keller, TX; parents Curt and Mary Newlen of Greenville, S.C.; and a host of devoted friends who loved her wit, her loyalty and her love. She will be missed more than words can say.

A celebration of her extraordinary life was held at White's Chapel United Methodist Church at 185 South White Chapel Boulevard in Southlake, Texas on July 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. Senior Pastor Dr. John McKellar, Associate Pastor Betsy Godbold, and Dr. Norma Gravely-Quinn of Yukon, Oklahoma, all three dear friends of the Gallagher family, officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation to benefit low-income single mothers. (www.roywilliamssafetynet.org).