Sandra Longley Gallagher

Sandra (Sandy) Longley Gallagher Born August 8, 1939, in Milford Massachusetts

Franklin Massachusetts was the setting for Sandy’s wonderful childhood. Her parents Grant (Prof) and Marion Longley made sure they showed their four children Sandy, Grant, Merrie, & Mark that life should be lived to the fullest through adventure and giving back.

A degree in Nursing was the career path that Sandy walked. After graduating with a nursing degree from New England Deaconess School of Nursing, she pursued hospital nursing until she received her certification in Epidemiology where she had an impactful career as an Infection Control Nurse during the AIDS epidemic. Sandy was supportive and caring for so many individuals that were affected by that disease. Her final years of her career were spent working as an HIV specialist with Merck Pharmaceuticals.

A move to New Jersey in 1962 with her first husband Doug Raubenheimer was the start of a new adventure. Sandy loved her years of being a Mom to her children Peter & Wendy (Her favorite story when she was growing up was Peter Pan). Peter and his beautiful wife Lisa brought Sandy two totally awesome grandchildren Joey & Chelsea. Those two are her heart for sure.

Sandy and her second husband Bill Gallagher luckily shared the same dream, to live in a log home. They pursued that dream and in 2003 they found the Rockfish Valley and built a fine-looking log home in Afton Va. They were greeted each day with a stunning mountain view.

The calendar was always full in Sandy’s life. An extremely active member of Rockfish Presbyterian Church. Volunteering as a Master Gardener, helping animals at Almost Home Animal Shelter and especially loving her involvement with her book clubs (yes, not just one but two). She dearly loved her book club friends.

Home, gardens, family, friends, entertaining, much laughter, and community filled Sandy’s days, and her two dogs Sunny & Moo filled her heart.

A beautiful life if there ever was one.

Services will be held at Rockfish Presbyterian Church on July 7, 2026, at 1:00PM. 5016 Rockfish Valley Hwy. Nellysford VA.

A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Bright and colorful attire required. (Sandy wouldn’t have wanted it any other way).

In lieu of flowers donations would be greatly appreciated for Nelson County SPCA

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfunralhomes.com