Dorothy Gallagher

Dorothy L. Gallagher, age 93, of St. Charles, passed away quietly on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at Pine View Care Center, in St. Charles, where she had recently made her home.
She was born on July 17, 1922, in Chicago, the daughter of Leslie and Emma (Gruel) Heidman.
Dorothy grew up in Chicago and attended local schools. She graduated from Hirsch High School before attending Morgan Park Junior College and graduated with an Associates Degree.
Dorothy worked locally for a time but started her career as a legal secretary at Armour Star and later retired from the same company.
Dorothy met the love of her life through a girlfriend. Daniel Manus Gallagher swept her off her feet and made her a blushing bride on February 13, 1947.
They began their new life together in Chicago but the time they would be able to spend together was only a few short years. They welcomed home a son and daughter before he suddenly passed away when the children were still small. The family continued to make Chicago a home until the children were grown and had a families of their own. Now a proud grandma, Dorothy moved to Elgin to be closer to her grandchildren, and moved closer still to St. Charles a few years later. The last four years she has enjoyed her five adorable great-grandchildren and has been a big part of their lives.
Dorothy was a member of St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn for many years, as well as Elgin Friends of the Library and the Great Lakes Doll Club. She was a member, supporter and inspiration to her Fibromyalgia Support Group. Her family’s history called to her as well and brought her into contact and membership with the Kane County Genealogy Group.
Dorothy’s time was consumed by her love of history and genealogy. Her Great Lakes Doll Club began many projects in support of the local community, making fabric dolls and teddy bears to be given to both local organizations as well as those whose focus was international. Dorothy overcame daily obstacles with both grit and grace, but it was the love of her family that filled her with sunshine each and every new morning.
She is survived by two children: Michael (Verginia) Gallagher and Nancy (Mark) Herzog; Four grandchildren: Daniel Gallagher, Kevin Herzog, Michael (Mariel) Herzog and Kathleen Herzog; Five great-grandchildren: London, Sophia, Anthony, Enzo and Audriana Herzog; One brother, John (Jan) Heidman; many nieces, nephews and community who all will grieve her passing.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Emma Heidman and her husband, Daniel Manus Gallagher.

Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 West Pierce Street, Elburn, IL. With a mass to follow at 11:00 a.m., at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 West Shannon Street, Elburn, IL 60119. Internment at All Saints Cemetery, 700 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL, will follow at 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made in Dorothy’s name to the charity of your choice. Tributes may also be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or on the web at www.conleycare.com.
Arrangements were handled with care by Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL 60119. For additional information, please call 630-365-6414.

With a mass to follow at 11:00 a.m., at St. Gall Catholic Church, 120 West Shannon Street, Elburn, IL 60119.

Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 West Pierce Street, Elburn, IL.

Interment at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Rd, Des Plaines, IL, will follow at 3 p.m.