Lois A. Gallagher

OLD TAPPAN – Lois A. (nee Dacanto) Gallagher, a long-time resident of Old Tappan, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023 at Villa Marie Claire (Saddle River) with her family by her side. Born on February 8, 1930 to the late Louis P. and Anna M. Dacanto, Lois spent her early childhood years in Virginia, eventually moving to Far Rockaway, New York as a teenager.

Lois graduated from Our Lady of Wisdom Academies and went to business school before becoming a Legal Secretary for a Judge and Assemblyman in Cedarhurst, N.Y.

It was at this point in time that Lois became interested in politics, a passion that she has passed on to others in her family.

Soon after arriving in Far Rockaway, she met the love of her life, Edward (Ed) Gallagher. They married in April of 1951; soon after, built their first home in Cedarhurst; and put Ed through college. They were married for 53 years until Ed passed away in 2004.

Blessed with three children, Doreen (Glen), Thomas (Susan) and Matthew (Kara), Lois was a driving force in their lives. Her children have been a continual source of strength, especially since Ed’s passing nineteen years ago. But her true joy was being a grandma to her seven grandchildren, Daniel and Courtney Pfeiffer; Brady, Shane, Caden, Cathryn and Collin Gallagher. Upon learning that she was going to be a grandma, she became a volunteer baby photo photographer at Pascack Valley Hospital for the next eighteen years, taking the first official photograph of her first five grandchildren.

Lois has been described as a “professional volunteer.” St. Pius X RC Church in Old Tappan held a special place in her heart. She served as Rosary Society President for over 10 years, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, in addition to holding every position on the Executive Board. She was a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher and chaired many fundraisers. She was even recognized as the “Special Person of the Month” for the love and support that she showed to the Rosary Society and the parish community.

The Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was another passion. She was a Life Member and Treasurer. Lois also served as the fundraising chairperson for the Old Tappan Centennial Committee, a member of the Friends of the Library Executive Board, PTA member, member of the Local Assistance Board, and the Old Tappan Chairperson of the American Cancer Society fund drives.

Lois served for many years as a Bergen County Republican County Committeewoman and was an active member of the Old Tappan Republican Club. And, in 2003, was presented with the Mayor’s Volunteer Award, an award to volunteers who have distinguished themselves as exceptional volunteers.

Family and faith have always been the most important virtues in Lois’ life. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and volunteer. She has touched many lives throughout her 93 years here.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 4-8pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10am at St. Pius X RC Church in Old Tappan, with internment in the Garden of Memories, Washington Township, NJ. The family requests that you join us to celebrate Lois’ life at the Old Tappan Fire House after 12:30pm on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Lois’ name to Old Tappan Fire Department, 231 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, NJ and/or Old Tappan First Aid Corps, 4 Russell Avenue, Old Tappan, NJ.