Eileen Gallagher

Eileen R. Gallagher, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 29, 2009. Eileen was born April 14, 1923 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Arthur Andrew & Norma Elizabeth (Eichbauer) Ziegenfelder. She was united in marriage with the love of her life, John J. Gallagher, on September 7, 1946 in Detroit, and the couple cherished more than sixty-two years together. Eileen was employed by Michigan Bell in Detroit and worked as a ship-to-shore operator for the company during World War II. Eileen left Michigan Bell to pursue her real passion in life, which was raising the nine children she and John were blessed with. When their children were of school age, Eileen began a career as a switchboard operator for the J. L. Hudson Company in Detroit, a position she held for more than fifteen years, retiring in 1985. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith, and a former member of St. Gemmas Catholic Church in Detroit, and most recently a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. Eileen was adored by her family, and will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother that performed magic in the kitchen. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, gardening, spending time in her flower garden and with her golden retrievers. Eileen is survived by nine children and their spouses, William & Dalene Gallagher of New Baltimore, Linda Guldner of Redford, Robert & Darlene Gallagher of Canton Township, Janet Gallagher of Caro, James & Lori Gallagher of Fenton, Marianne & William Chapin of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Jill & Timothy Bowker of Troy, Patrick & Mary Gallagher of Farmington, John & Jeanne Gallagher of Felton, California; twenty-four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren with two more on the way; three sisters and two brothers, Carol, Paula, Ellen, Robert and Norman, and many nieces and nephews. Eileen was preceded in death by four brothers, Arthur, Donald, Thomas and James; three uncles, “Unc” Phil, Rudy and Carvel Ziegenfelder.