Friday, May 12, 2017
Dear Brian, Allison & Bill -
First of all, kudos on picking an absolutely perfect picture of your mom/wife to use with this beautiful obituary. It just captures her spirit and gave me an immediate smile as soon as I saw it. This is how I will choose to remember Gerry.
Second, and most importantly, I will continue to pray for you and Gerry's grandchildren in the coming weeks. We were shocked, like everyone, by the news and my mom was inconsolable. Gerry was a lifelong friend to her, a second mother to my brother Joe and a fun, smart, constant presence to the rest of the Gallagher clan growing up a lagoon over in Pebble Beach.
Your mom was a free spirit and one of the first independent, self-sufficient moms I'd ever met. Knowing her after my mom was widowed was something powerful because it showed me and my sisters, as young women, that there were successful women out there who were also mothers/aunts/friends who were really succeeding in the business world. She impacted me.
Mostly, I will remember Gerry for being a beautiful, true, honest friend to my mom. She didn't pull any punches and told it like it was. She was the kind of friend who would find a way to tell you the truth when others didn't and she laced it with just enough humor to make it easier to hear. This was cool.
As for her children - Allison, you are beautiful and always have been. Her stories about you as a young mother were full of pride. You are your mother's daughter. I know you will continue to make her proud. Your children were very clearly the apples of her eye. Brian - there's not much more I can say to you other than what I told you on the phone the other day --- you are my surrogate brother and I love and miss you. I wish you lived closer because you are someone who always made me giggle and smile. I'm so sorry that my schedule demanded I attend a work event the night of your mom's services. I wanted to be there, planned to be there and was shattered when I realized I could not.
I hope you can excuse this because believe me, my heart was with you.
Finally, to Bill, you clearly had an amazing relationship and marriage for so many years with Gerry. Your commitment to and friendship with each other surely will leave a big void that many cannot comprehend. I'm so sorry. I pray that the silver lining here is the fact that while she slowed down through this illness perhaps it offered you some very precious time together to reflect on the many blessings your very union created. The legacy of 2 great children and grandchildren is amazing. None of these individuals would even be here if it weren't for Gerry & Bill falling in love years ago and walking this path together. Thank God for all you gifted to the rest of the world.
In closing, my prayers are with all of you and your families. Please know you are never alone and the Gallaghers are with you always. You are part of our extended family and your mother will never be forgotten.
Much love from me and mine to you,
Maureen
