Denise Scamardo Galloway, of Cary, NC, and previously Bronxville, NY, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at the Windsor Point Retirement Community in Fuquay-Varina, NC in the company of her children.
Denise was born on December 4, 1942 in Utica, NY to John and Agnes McGuirl Scamardo. She was the proud mother of Molly, Peter (Michael), and John (Christy) Galloway, and devoted grandmother of Daniel (Kelsie), Andrew (Lauren), and Joseph Hegeman, and Jack and Elizabeth Galloway.
Denise graduated from Utica Catholic Academy (Class of 1960), and then went on to study social work at LeMoyne College (Class of 1964) where she was proud to be in the first class of female graduates. Upon graduation, Denise worked for Catholic Charities helping facilitate adoptions, work that brought her great satisfaction and a lifetime of thanks from the families that she served.
After focusing on raising her children and serving her community through volunteer work, including with local hospice organizations, Denise returned to social work at Sarah Neuman Nursing Home in Mamaroneck, NY which then inspired her to return to the classroom to earn a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. Her courage and fortitude in pursuing her career ambition later in life is one part of the legacy that her children and grandchildren admire. Denise then embarked on a nearly 20-year career as a clinical social worker and case manager at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY (now New York-Presbyterian Westchester Hospital) where she ultimately served as the Associate Director of Social Work.
While Denise would say that her highest priority was being a good mother and grandmother, the patients and families that she impacted during her time at Lawrence would argue that she found her life calling through that work. Known for her commitment, common sense, humanity, and professional expertise, she helped hundreds of individuals navigate challenging situations—often related to oncology care and end of life—with clarity, dignity, and respect. She became an invaluable community resource and patient advocate. Part of what Denise enjoyed most about her career at Lawrence was the close partnerships and friendships she formed with medical, nursing, and pastoral care colleagues. One of her proudest moments was being awarded the “Wholeness of Life” award from the Hospital Chaplaincy Network that recognized how she and a dear colleague “treat others as whole persons and respect the interdependence of body, mind and spirit in achieving optimum health.”
When Denise retired from the hospital and moved to Cary, North Carolina, her service to others continued. She was an enthusiastic and tireless volunteer and patient advocate at WakeMed Cary Hospital, where she eventually served as the President of the Volunteer Board. At Mother Teresa Catholic Church she supported pastoral outreach, flower donations, and efforts to develop the new parish. She also organized book clubs and line dancing classes for her neighborhood community and provided direct pastoral care to countless individuals and families.
Most of all, Denise loved her grandchildren and did everything she could to help them grow into the people they wanted to be. From hours entertaining them as young children with “silly fun” (including a surprising affection for line dancing to Tina Turner), to snuggles on the couch reading favorite books, to unlimited pickups and drop-offs from school and athletic events, to countless favorite meals and Kroger cookies, to unwavering love and acceptance, Denise was there for her grandchildren whenever and however they needed her. For that, they are eternally grateful.
As she lived with Alzheimer’s disease in the last years of life, Denise was the recipient of the type of loving and compassionate care that she provided others for so many years. Her daughter Molly, her son-in-law Tim, and a team of truly saintly caregivers—Angel, Tracey, Natalina, and Tee, among others—ensured that Denise lived with dignity, surrounded by love and smiles to the end. It is a great comfort to her family to know that Denise is now at peace.
Denise was predeceased by her parents and her former spouse Peter, with whom she maintained a life-long relationship of care. She is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, and a number of practically adopted children and grandchildren who benefited from her love.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Mother Teresa Catholic Church at 1125 Mother Teresa Dr, Cary, NC on Saturday, January 20 at 11:30 AM. A burial will be held at a later date in Utica, New York. Friends will be received from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM at the Church preceding the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions be directed in Denise’s honor to one of the following organizations:
Mother Teresa Catholic Church,1125 Mother Teresa Drive, Cary NC 27519
https://motherteresacary.org/give
Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org
WakeMed Cary Hospital, WakeMed Foundation, 3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610
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