Glenda R Gallagher

Glenda R. Gallagher, an 84-year-old resident of The Gardens at Foley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Glenda was born on April 20, 1940, in Willow Lake, South Dakota, to Grace (Meester) and Carl Wilkins. Glenda married Bill Gallagher on June 15, 1963, and together they raised three boys.

Born and raised in Willow Lake, Glenda attended Huron College in Huron, South Dakota. It was during her early teaching years that she met her husband, when they taught in classrooms across the hall from one another at University Avenue Elementary. Glenda devoted her entire career to education in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, teaching at University Avenue, Champlin, Sorteberg, and Lincoln elementary schools.

Glenda had a deep love for country music, art, reading, and games, with a special fondness for puzzles and crosswords. She found joy in spending summers at Leech Lake, where she created cherished memories with family and friends. An accomplished cook and baker, Glenda took pleasure in preparing meals and treats for those she loved.

Though she had a sister who passed away in infancy, Glenda grew up as an only child, forming a close bond with her parents. Her warmth, dedication to teaching, and love for life's simple pleasures will be remembered by all who knew her.

Glenda is survived by her sons, Tom (Bonnie), Matt Gallagher, and Shawn (Karen); grandchildren, Allison (Kurtis), Matt, and Will. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and her granddaughter Carolyn.

Glenda's family, friends, and former students will forever hold her in their hearts as a woman of kindness, wit, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched throughout her life and teaching career.

Mass of Christian Burial for Glenda will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with gathering time one hour prior to the service at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka.

Caring For Glenda and her family

Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home

Brainerd