Mary Helen Gallegos

Mary was the heart and soul of her family. She had a remarkable way of making each person feel deeply loved and cared for, always going out of her way to nurture, support, and uplift those around her. Her vibrant spirit, warmth, and unwavering devotion left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

On February 26, 1966, she married the love of her life Richard Gallegos, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, faith, and deep devotion to family. Mary dedicated her early years to raising their four daughters, creating a home filled with strength, compassion, and unconditional love. At the age of 39, she followed her passion for education and earned her Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Mary became a beloved second and third grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where she touched countless young lives. She had a special gift for making every child feel seen, valued, and capable. Through her kindness, patience, and encouragement, she made a meaningful difference that extended far beyond the classroom.

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, Mary found her greatest joy in her family. She treasured time spent together at family dinners, backyard barbecues or out on the pontoon—wherever family was. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren & great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world and her greatest joy. She also loved traveling with her husband, Richard, and cherished their unforgettable 30-day journey through Brussels, Paris, Spain, London, and Rome in 2014.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Gallegos; her daughters, Regina Gallegos, Monica Gallegos-Nunez (Elier Nunez), Natalie Gallegos, and Jennifer Woods (Bryan); her grandchildren, Richard Garza, John Gallegos, Dominique Gallegos, Travis Woods, Gennae Bennett, Savannah Taylor, Cat Bearden, Christopher Clayton, Brandon Clayton, Wyatt Woods, Brianna Aragon, and Sierra Valdivieso; her great-grandchildren, Eli, Oaklee, Kenai, Finneas, Willow, and Autumn; and her siblings, Elizabeth Bailon, Alice Ramirez Blair, Jean Watanabe, Cindy Chieko Watanabe, Ted Ramirez, John Ricky Ramirez, and Christina Baker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Ramirez and Jennie Delores Fajardo Adams, and her siblings, Charles Ramirez, Joe Zamora, Thomas Zamora, Margaret Ramirez Alo, John Ramirez, and Mario Ramirez.

Visitation and Recitation of the Rosary will be held on May 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stoddard Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on May 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her steadfast faith, her enduring strength, and the grace with which she lived her life. She carried a genuine love of life, a warm, joyful laughter, and a sweetness that touched everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy woven through her family, her friendships, and the countless children she guided and inspired. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.