Obituary of Iris Marie (nee Dartnell) GALLAGHER

August 30, 1922 – Pondicherry, India

February 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Iris Gallagher of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the age of 97 years.

Born in Pondicherry, India on August 30, 1922, Iris was preparing to devote her life to the Catholic Church – until she met a handsome young RAF airman in 1942 who won her over with his poetry. In 1945 she left her beloved family in India to follow her heart across the Atlantic. During their fifty-three years of marriage, Iris, Louis, and their children lived on RCAF bases in Canada, England, France, and Germany, before retiring in Nanaimo, BC. No matter where they were stationed the Gallagher home became a hub of food, friendship, and laughter. Iris believed there was always room at the table for one more and instilled her love of cooking and community in each of her children. After Louis’ passed in 1995, Iris found her way to Calgary, AB. While she never acclimatized to the cold, she was grateful for the warmth of the many people who supported her in her later years. In addition to her work as a Hospital Admissions Clerk with the RCAF, her countless contributions to the many parishes she belonged to, and her involvement with the Catholic Women’s League, Iris leaves a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and generosity. In her last days, as her many friends, family members, and care-providers flooded her room to say their farewells, Iris made sure to thank each of them for their contribution to her life. Her steadfast belief in the goodness of others and her unwavering faith in the mercy of God’s love leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Iris is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jackie (Jim) Trafford, Anne (Lee) Gallagher, and Louise (Charles) Gallagher; granddaughters, Amanda (Chris) Thorne, Kristi (Simon) Banks, Alexis (James) Maledy, and Liseanne (Tim) McDonald; and two great-grandchildren. Her loss is also felt by her three surviving siblings and a multitude of friends and family across the globe.

Iris was looking forward to being reunited with her beloved husband Louis Gallagher, her son and daughter-in-law George and Rosalind Gallagher, her parents Ivy and Benjamin Dartnell, and her six departed brothers and sisters – who are all now undoubtedly dancing to the music of Charles Aznavour with her.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Iris’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Iris Gallagher, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, Ab, t2x 3j3,  Telephone: 403- 256-9575.