Geraldine E. “Gerri” (Steadman) Gallagher Obituary (1948 - 2023)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Geraldine E. "Gerri" (Steadman) Gallagher, passed away suddenly at home, taking a final journey through the clouds, on October 20, 2023. Born in Erie on February 22, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Arthur "Art" and Elizabeth "Betty" Steadman. Gerri attended St. Joseph School and then graduated from Villa Maria Academy in 1966. She spent the first years of her professional life in the offices of Kaiser Aluminum, GE, and then Zurn, where she met her husband-to-be, Joseph H. Gallagher. They married June 17, 1972, at her beloved childhood parish of St. Joseph Church in Erie, and then relocated to California with Zurn. They returned to Erie and raised four children and celebrated their 50th anniversary together in 2022. For many years, Gerri ran Gallagher's Oasis restaurant with her husband where she made many great homemade recipes and friends and went on to work for the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Center, Verizon, and Bruno's Cafe at Penn State Behrend for many years where she loved the students and staff. Mum was a shining light, full of positivity and zeal, and an incredibly faithful and strong woman. She loved her family and friends wholeheartedly. A giving and nurturing soul her whole life, she was also a dedicated caregiver to her daughter, Mary and husband, Joe. She held an amazing work ethic, grace, and sense of humor, and could be found with all of this and more while avidly serving in the community her entire life, including with many Catholic and local organizations. In her younger years, she enjoyed travelling, camping, and skiing. She was gifted in so many ways, including showing thoughtfulness of all kinds, and was unmatched in cooking and canning. She enjoyed nature, playing cards, and special games with her daughter, Mary. She also loved serving in many capacities at Our Lady of Mercy Church, her parish for more than 30 years. Her home and heart were open to many, including being "U.S.A. Mom" to foreign exchange students, and always feeding and welcoming friends and neighbors. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John "Jack" Steadman. In addition to her husband, she is survived by children: Joseph Jr. (Tara Hoeksema), Mary, Kathleen (Nathanial Cieslak), and Gretchen (David Durney). She is also survived by brother, James "Jim" Steadman; sister, Christine Lossie; as well as many cousins; her niece and nephews; extended family members; her "Angels in Training" small faith community; and many other dear friends. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 24th, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Road, Harborcreek. She will be so missed. Memorial contributions may be made in Gerri's memory to a local faith-based organization of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Harborcreek.