Elizabeth Joanna Gallagher

Elizabeth "Betty" Gallagher (nee MacDonald) passed away on August 26th, just shy of her 85th birthday after a long battle with dementia. A proud Cape Bretoner, Betty was the third of 10 children born to Jake and Johanna MacDonald of Louisbourg. After earning her RN from Saint Martha’s School of Nursing, she moved to Halifax, where she met and later married the love of her life, Fred Gallagher, in 1963.

Betty was the cherished mother of Kathy (Doug), Carolyn (Todd), and David (Jody). Betty was a wonderful mother to her children. They loved her dearly and they felt there was nothing she couldn’t do. She was caring, loving, funny and always there for them when they needed her.

Betty was a devoted and proud grandmother to Laura, Sarah, Jake, Luke, Allie, Bridgid, and Rowan. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines. Whether in life, at the rink, field, or gym, Nanny was always there, fiercely proud and convinced her grandchildren were the brightest stars. While Papa might have been more objective, Nanny was unwavering in her belief that they certainly didn’t deserve that penalty or foul.

In addition to caring for her family, Betty was a dedicated nurse at the IWK Health Centre, where she ultimately retired from pediatric cardiology.

Betty had many interests; she was an exceptional cook, loved to read, knit, skate and swim. She loved her regular bridge games with her dear friends. In her later years, she and Fred were known to enjoy trips to Casino Nova Scotia.

Now that she is gone, we choose to remember our mother and grandmother as the extraordinary, intelligent, talented, and loving woman she was before dementia slowly and painfully took her from us. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband Fred.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Betty is survived by her sister Kathy (Pius), brother Michael (Marilyn), and in-laws Terry, Peggy, Julie, and Alma, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2022, and by her siblings Jackie, Isabel, Moira, Jimmy, Johnny, Allister, and Charlotte.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Melville Gardens, who provided exceptional care during the last two years of her life. Also thank you to the caregivers from Nurse Next Door, whose dedication made a significant difference.

Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia in her memory.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday Sept. 12th at 1215 pm at Saint Benedict Parish on Radcliffe Drive, Halifax, with a private family burial at a later date.

“There is one thing Alzheimer’s cannot take away, and that is love. Love is not a memory – It’s a feeling that resides in your heart and soul” - Unknown