Avis Sandeen Gallagher

Avis Sandeen Gallagher, age 94, of Glen Ellyn, IL passed away peacefully on June 20th surrounded by her husband Jack and daughter Cathy Gallagher.

Born on September 22, 1931 in Maple Plain, MN. Beloved daughter of Esther and Alfred Sandeen. Avis graduated from St. Cloud University and became a teacher in St. Cloud for a brief stint before traveling across the country to Long Beach, CA to continue her teaching career. It was in California she met Naval Officer Jack Gallagher at a Navy Social.

Married in 1955, together Jack and Avis navigated the transition from the Navy service into civilian life with stints in Canton, OH, Endicott, NY, Elm Grove, WI and a final stay for 45 years in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. During these transitions, Avis was the anchor in a traveling family, securing schools, new neighborhoods, car pools and turning a house into a “home” for her family. Wherever she lived, Avis would become involved in community charities and was well known for her cream cheese marbled brownies.

Avis was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church, where you would find her most Sunday mornings. Avis will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, fierce competitiveness in board games and her finding joy in small things.

Avis is survived by her husband of 70 years Jack, as well as her 4 children, Kristyn (Mark Shannon), Cathy, John (Tammy Gallagher), and Patti, (Euan Fisher) her 8 grandchildren Sarah, Connor (Erin Gallagher), Anne, Isabelle (Matt Kojm), Molly, Lily, Sinead and Cormac as well as Great Grandson Finnegan. Avis was preceded in death by her parents Esther and Alfred as well as her younger brother Al Sandeen.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made in Avis’’s memory to the Morton Arboretum  online at https://mortonarb.org/join-support/make-a-gift/ or by mail 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532

A Celebration of life service to be held on Friday, July 17th, at Faith Lutheran Church, 41 N. Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 from 11:00 am -12:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Reception to be held following the service, at Wyndemere Retirement Home, 200 Wyndemere Circle, Wheaton, IL 60187 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the Wright Place room. 

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