Therese M. (Gallagher) Reale, 93, of New Bedford died December 24, 2020 at The Oaks Nursing Home. She died two years to the day as her late husband, Emile J. Reale. As much as family wanted to spend Christmas with her, they know she is happy to be reunited with Emile to celebrate Christmas with him.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Anthony and Helen (Daley) Gallagher, she lived her entire life in New Bedford before moving to Autumn Glen in Dartmouth and eventually to the Oaks Nursing Home.
She was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
After marrying the love of her life, Emile, the boy across the street, on November 8, 1947, she devoted her entire life to her husband, Emile and three children as a homemaker and devoted Mother
A graduate of Holy Family High School, class of 1944 and Campbell Secretarial School, Therese enjoyed folk-art painting and was an oil-painting student of artist Louis Sylvia. Her family is blessed to have her many works of art grace their homes. She also loved sewing for her home and family
Survivors include her 2 sons, Kenneth E. Reale and his wife Patricia of East Bridgewater and Stephen A. Reale and his wife Sandra of Acushnet; a daughter, Jean M. Gallant and her husband Paul of New Bedford; 8 grandchildren, Christina Reale, Lisa McIlmail and her husband Bill, Michael Reale and his wife Christina, Sara Lupien and her husband Keith, Jessica Raahede and her husband Esben, Matthew Gallant and his wife Danielle, Brian Gallant, and Jeffrey Gallant and his wife Jennifer; 8 great-grandchildren, William McIlmail, Katherine McIlmail, Allyson Reale, Jennifer Reale, Joshua Gallant, Jackson Gallant; Julia Gallant and Madelyn Gallant along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Therese was the last surviving sibling, sister of the late Anthony Gallagher, Jr., Bernard Gallagher, Irene Gwozdz, and Leo Gallagher.
The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Glen for making Mom and Dad comfortable during their time together in Dartmouth. A special thanks to the loving and compassionate care from the staff at the Oaks Nursing Home. The love shown to Mom by so many was so much appreciated.
Due to COVID-19 and everyone being at high-risk during this uncertain time, her funeral services will be private. We want all of our cherished family and friends to stay safe. A celebration of Therese’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so. To watch her Funeral Mass on live stream, please go to www.whalingcitycatholics.org Wednesday, December 30th at 10 AM.
If you wish to make a memorial donation in her memory, contributions may be made to Damien's Pantry P. O. Box 730 E. Wareham, Mass, 02538 or a charity of one's choice.