Elaine R. Gallagher

ELKHART — Elaine R. Gallagher, 78, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at her home.

A native of Detroit, she was born on March 6, 1939 to the late Alfred H. and Sophie T. (Diez) Sorensen.

She graduated from Michigan State University, where she met and later married James H. Gallagher Jr. on December 1, 1962 in Southfield, Michigan. James died on Dec. 8, 2013.

Surviving are her children, Kathleen (Stephen) Riikonen of Elkhart, Diane Gallagher of Eatonton, GA, Michael (Shellie) Gallagher of Ft. Wayne, and Lorraine Gallagher of Eatonton, Georgia; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brother Ralph (Denise) Sorensen of Traverse City, Michigan; nephew, Gerald (Shannon) Sorensen of Montgomery, Texas; and sister-in-law, Mary (John) Rasmussen of Loudon, Tennessee.

Elaine was a lifelong educator.

She was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and teacher at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic School for many years, where she received the Light of Learning award in 2001 from the Ft. Wayne/South Bend Diocese.

Elaine was a CASA volunteer and worker. Her home and heart were always open to anyone in need.

She was a surrogate mother to many over the years. She loved a good story and was a great listener.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017 at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart.

Friends may visit with the family beginning at 1 p.m. at the church. Reverend Matthew Coonan will officiate.

In honoring Elaine’s wishes, cremation will follow with burial at a later date at St. Vincent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully accepts memorials to St. Vincent dePaul School.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.

On-line condolences may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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