Kathleen “Kate” Alice Gallacher (née Cooney), 77, of North Canaan, Connecticut, formerly of Cinnaminson, New Jersey and New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 5, 2022, with family by her side.
Originally from Bronx County, New York, Kate was born on December 24, 1944, to Catherine E. and Henry M. Cooney. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy on Long Island with high honors. After graduation, she landed an administrative position with General Electric in Manhattan. A couple years later, she moved to Pennsylvania to be near her parents, who had relocated there for her father’s career with the federal government. Kate integrated quickly into her new community, volunteering and taking on work at a local parish.
Kate married and had three daughters before beginning her long career in nonprofit development, where she held director-level positions with the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania, and Special Olympics Pennsylvania. She was also instrumental in the growth of a startup nonprofit, Channels Food Rescue, which is still running strong 30 years later. While working, Kate attended Wilson College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Kate loved poetry, music, and song. She cherished days with family at Jones Beach (New York) as a child and Wildwood Crest (New Jersey) as an adult. She was passionate about her Irish heritage, enjoying trips to Ireland and cultural events closer to home. She was also very committed to her parish, serving on committees, singing in the choir, and working in the church rectory following retirement from her professional career.
Kate was deeply loved by those closest to her and appreciated by many for her generous hospitality and talent for cooking, as she often hosted meals and gatherings for her friends and family.
Kate is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, five grandchildren, four siblings, and eleven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, older brother, and many dear aunts and uncles.
In lieu of condolence gifts, Kate’s family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.
A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in Kate’s name on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Church of the Sacred Heart, 103 4th Street, Riverton, New Jersey, at 4:00 P.M.