Mary D. Gallagher, 81, of Lancaster, died Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Essa Flory Hospice Center after an illness.  Born in Ashland, PA, Mary was the daughter of the late Vincent and Catherine (Barbush) DiZio.  She was the wife of the late Eugene D. Gallagher, who died in 2007.

A homemaker, Mary was a 1946 graduate of Ashland High School.  She was a loving, friendly devoted mother and wife, who enjoyed cooking and dancing the polka, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Mary was a very active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church parish, where she participated with the Bereavement Committee, Senior Club, the Mothers' Club, while her children were at school. She also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Womens' Auxiliary Lancaster Council.

Mary is survived by her children, Eugene D. Gallagher, Jr., Michael Gallagher, husband of Jean, John V. Gallagher, husband of Deborah, and James Gallagher, all of Lancaster, Anthony R. Gallagher, husband of Sharon, of Lake Wales, Fl, Thomas Gallagher, husband of Wendy, of Elizabethtown, and Mary Anne Hevener, wife of Dwayne C., of Mount Joy, 13 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren, and siblings, Joseph DiZio, husband of Ann, of Lansdale, Thomas DiZio, husband of Concetta, of Gordon, PA, and Dolores DiZio of Ashland.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Louis, and sister, Anna.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10 AM with Rev. Daniel J. Mitzel as celebrant.  Interment will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.  A viewing will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA on Monday evening from 7 until 9 PM, with recitation of the Rosary at 8:30 PM, and a second viewing at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 8:30 until 9:30 AM. Memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com