Carole Georgena Gallas

Passed away on April 14, 2026. She joins her husband George of almost 68 years. Carole was born to Archie and Marian MacAlpin, the second of four daughters. She traveled the country, moving a lot as a young child, and living out west in Texas and New Mexico and many other places until they settled in South Bend, Indiana.

She attended the University of Michigan School of Music. After she got married, she and George moved to California where she worked at The Devereaux School, teaching music to individuals with disabilities.

Eventually, she and George moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan with their two sons and then to Chelsea where they raised their family of four children for many years. She worked as an aide on a bus for individuals with disabilities for Chelsea School System picking up students from the St. Louis Center, she had several jobs working at a flower shop and at the University of Michigan Student Center. Ultimately, music was her passion, and she began playing the organ at church as well as playing for funerals and weddings. After raising their kids, she and George moved to Jackson where she became a home health aide at Great Lakes Home Healthcare. She and George both were involved in their parish, Carole as a Canter, and in the choir. She was also committed to Divine Mercy Chapel.

Carole never knew such a thing as a stranger. She made friends everywhere she went, sometimes to the frustration of her husband and family when it would take her upwards of 30 minutes to leave church.

Carole was a 3-time cancer survivor and a longtime member of the cancer support group Renew. She played bridge for many years in groups and for fun, attended many different Bible study groups, and made lifelong friends.

She had a deep devotion to God at a very early age, and religion was an intricate part of her. She was kind and compassionate and always the first one to send a card and a hug.

She was a huge Mario Lanza fan and retained friendships from the fan club for upwards of 70 years.

Ice cream was always her comfort food, and she believed it was a cure for everything. She loved animals, always feeding birds, chipmunks, and rabbits. She had a love-hate relationship with squirrels. She loved her dogs and rescued 4 dogs including her beloved Toby, whom her children joke was her favorite child.

Carole is survived by her children, Joseph Gallas of Gladwin, Michigan, Maria Gallas of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Gloria Koernke (Matt) Richland, Michigan; daughter-in-law, Cathleen Gallas of Minnesota; grandchildren, Kyle, Brooke, Parker, and Brennen; as well as two great grandsons. She is proceeded in death by her husband, her son, sister, parents and granddaughter.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Summit Park Assisted Living and Henry Ford Hospice Care, especially Emily, Caitlin, Rachel and Kyle. Carole was shown kindness, compassion and respect by all who cared for her. Visitation will be held at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202) on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, followed by a scripture reading led by Fr. Tim MacDonald at 7:30 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church (1111 Carlton Blvd, Jackson, MI 49203) on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 AM until time of service. Family requests that you wear your best tartan if possible.

Carole will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband George at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. The family suggests that those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Carole’s memory donate to TJ's Rescue Angels (7400 Wilcox Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827), Wounded Warriors, or St Louis Center (16195 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118).