Catherine Ann Gallivan

CATHERINE GALLIVAN (Age 85) passed away peacefully after a brief illness at her home in Arlington, Virginia, on February 23, 2025. She was surrounded by her children, Maryann, Martin, and Sara, and her devoted caregiver, Besrat Kebede. A trailblazing professional who worked at the National Security Agency at a time when few women were employed there, she later found her true calling as a dedicated mathematics teacher for over thirty years. She taught at St. Ann's Catholic School, Marshall High School, and JEB Stuart High School (now Justice High School) in the Washington, DC area. Throughout her teaching career, she was distinguished by her steadfast dedication to educational equity, ensuring that all students—regardless of their circumstances or challenges—received the support and encouragement they needed to succeed academically.

She is survived by her family: her children, Maryann Gallivan Bell and her spouse, Paul; Martin Gallivan and his spouse, Ramona; and Sara Gallivan and her spouse, Steve; seven grandchildren, Clea Bell, Devon Bell, Amanda Bell, Liam Gallivan, Lila Gallivan, Lucas Maloney, and Noah Maloney; and her siblings Mary, Joan, and Joe. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John Francis Gallivan, and her sister Patricia.

Daughter of Joseph (a Boston firefighter) and Helen (an Irish emigrant), Catherine grew up in a large Irish family in Boston. She graduated from Regis College with a degree in Mathematics and later earned a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia. She accompanied her husband, John, a Peace Corps staff member, on his assignment to Turkey from 1965 through 1967, where Maryann was born. After returning to the United States, she and John settled in Arlington, Virginia, where they lived until his passing in 2015. Catherine remained in their family home for 55 years.

Known for her clever storytelling, wicked wit, and unwavering support of her family, Catherine's home at 1300 N Edison Street became a neighborhood hub where generations of children found adventure and acceptance. She maintained her distinctive Boston accent and fierce pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life.

Friends and family are invited to the viewing at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 28th. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann's Church, 5300 N. 10th Street, Arlington, on Saturday, February 29th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Educate Fairfax, the philanthropic arm of Fairfax County Public Schools, at https://www.educatefairfax.org/.