Joan Anita Gallagher

Joan Gallagher (née Shepherd), age 85, of Coatesville, passed away peacefully, at her home on April 19, 2021, under hospice care. Joan was the wife of James J. Gallagher "Jim", who survives his wife of more than 60 years.

Joan was born in Philadelphia on January 30, 1936, the daughter of the late Robert and Ruth Shepherd.

Joan met Jim in her early 20's and they married in June of 1959. Joan and Jim soon became Chester County residents. They spent many years in Westtown, PA, shortly after they married, and later lived on Valley Forge Mountain, finally settling in Coatesville, PA.

Joan always had a head for numbers. Early in her adult life she worked at Towers Perrin, in Philadelphia, and after having raised her girls, before retiring, worked at The Law firm of Robert B. Shoemaker, as a legal secretary.  Joan also served on the Finance Committee of Hershey's Mill retirement community, where she and Jim lived happily for many years.

Joan was an amazing cook and loved hosting frequent dinners for her family, friends and neighbors. Christmas Eve just wasn't Christmas Eve without enjoying Joan's famous and festive holiday celebration.

Joan is survived by her husband, Jim, and their two daughters, Wendy Dias and Cindy Gallagher Marland, as well as her beloved granddaughter, Christina Pollock.

Due to the Corona virus, a private ceremony for immediate family members is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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