Obituary of Geraldine M. Galligan

Geraldine Marie Galligan (Miller) entered into rest on December 8, 2017. She was 70 years old. Together with her husband, John W. Galligan, Sr., Gerry raised five children in Forestburgh, NY, later spending cherished moments in Constableville, NY. She counted herself among the luckiest of us to have been married to the love of her life; her greatest wish for her children, grandchildren, family and friends is that they love and be loved as she and John. Daughter of the late Marion Stewart Miller, Gerry was born on July 17, 1947, and learned from her mother the value of hard work and self-reliance. She was married to John on March 6, 1976, and, together, they raised Edward Michael (Peggy), of Bethel, NY, Tracey Ann (William Rock), of Hillsboro, Alabama, Kelly Marie (Joseph DiCapua), of Sea Cliff, NY, John William, Jr. (Mallery), of Boonville, NY, and Meagan Katherine, of Forestburgh, NY. Gerry had the spirit of a fighter, much like her mother and grandmother before her, which will live on. She loved animals, particularly horses, a hobby she first shared with her grandfather and later passed down to her children, coming as it did with important lessons in responsibility, discipline and empathy. A champion of the underdog, Gerry charged her loved ones to hold principled beliefs, challenging them at every turn; in this way, she ensured her children could not only take a position, but defend and justify it with courage of conviction. She was a passionate and devoted supporter of John's many community involvements. An avid baker and architect of the most wonderful birthday cakes, Gerry loved to share time in the kitchen with her grandchildren, John William III, Emmet, Lyla, Thomas, Jarod, Alexandria, Dylan and Alexa (Shawn Houghtaling). She was blessed with one great-grandchild, Mason. Gerry assured Thomas, and each of her beloved grandchildren, that not even death can break the precious bond grandmothers share with their babies. Gerry is further survived by her siblings, Walter Miller (Patricia), of Courtland, Virginia, Russell Miller (Susan), of Zephyr Hills, Florida, and Edward Miller (Diane), of Forestburgh, NY as well as many in-laws, including Patricia Starr Galligan (late Michael), Vincent Galligan (late Kathy) and James Galligan (Ellen), all of Forestburgh, NY, and Gerard Greco (late Kathleen Galligan) of North Bethesda, MD, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spending time with friends, including the late Jean Rosenheck, Seymour and Alec Rosenheck, her brother Walt and her sisters-in-law Patricia Miller and Patricia Starr Galligan. Though her children were her life's work, she also spent time assisting her mother in the operations of AMI, Inc., in Forestburgh, and, later, her friend Dr. Steven Agoston at the Bethel Animal Clinic. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Constableville, NY. Family & friends are invited to gather on Friday, December 15 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello, NY. Gerry's funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 16 at 11 am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Broadway and Liberty Street in Monticello, NY with Fr. Ivan Csete officiating. Burial will be held in the Spring at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Constableville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 5905 James St., Constableville, NY 13325. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello, NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com