It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce that Mary Anne Gallaher (Stevens) passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. She was born and raised in Potletek (Chapel Island) by her parents, the late Maurice and Susan Stevens. She was a hairdresser by trade and moved to Toronto early in her career to advance her skills. She became very well respected in the profession, and she was deeply appreciated by her many clients. It was in Toronto that she met the love of her life, Tom Gallaher. They loved to travel the world together and they especially enjoyed the cruise ship life. After both Tom and Mary Anne had retired, they moved from Toronto to Membertou. Tom passed away in 2015 after 44 years of marriage.
Mary Anne is survived by her sister, Viola Christmas (Gus), and her brother-in-law, Brian Gallaher (Mary T.). She was also predeceased by her brothers Noel, Levi, Andrew, John and Benjamin, her sisters, Mary Josephine and Mary Mae, her sister-in-law Carolyn, her brother-in-law Richard and her nephew Moe Christmas. Also surviving are her nephews Dan and Steve, and her nieces Delores, Jane, Dorothy, Donna, Nicole, Kylie, Linda and Sheila.
Mary Anne was always so full of life and laughter who enjoyed her family and friends to the fullest. She was a member of the St. Anne's Mission Church in Membertou. She regularly attended the annual St. Anne's Mission in Chapel Island and she frequently did the annual pilgrimage to St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec. She was also an avid bingo player and rarely missed her weekly card games with her family and friends. She will be especially missed by her sister, Viola, who were often seen together at church, prayer meetings or just cruising around to different places.
Mary Anne will be resting at the residence of Viola Christmas, 11 Autwen Ma'sl Awti, Membertou beginning at 7:00pm on Saturday, May 4. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, May 6 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment will follow in Membertou Memorial Gardens with the Salite at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. To watch the service, or leave a condolence or memory for the family please visit www.twcurry.com.
