Mary Elizabeth Smith Gallegly died Saturday morning, April 14, 2018, after over 10 years of Alzheimer’s. She was 93 years of age.
Mary was born in St. Paul, Minn., but grew up in Ripon, Wis., about a block from the school house which was the birth place of the Republican Party. After public school in Ripon, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin in medical technology.
Mary was the first, or among the first, medical technologists hired by the new medical school and hospital now known as J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. She was head of the Medical Technology Out-patient Lab. Later, she transferred to the new cancer treatment and research group. Also, she was in charge of morning blood collection and taught many students, now physicians, how to draw blood. In addition, she was sought by doctors for her expertise in bone marrow procedures.
Mary was an avid tennis player when young. In later years, this energy was transferred to the golf course at the Pines Country Club where she was active in the women’s golf association.
She and her husband loved to travel and visited many places in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. After retirement, February in Orlando, FL was great because of the many golf courses there, and the home of her life-long friend and college roommate, Nancy York Kellman.
Mary said many times that June 1949, was a favorite month in her life because in that month she had a new baby and her husband had a new Ph.D. and a new job at WVU.
Surviving Mary is her husband, Mannon Gallegly; her children, Michael Gallegly, Susan Ambrose (Tom) and Thomas Gallegly (Heidi Stewart); as well as grandchildren, Clayton Ambrose (Nurit), Michael Ambrose, Jennifer Ambrose, Katy Adler (Reid), Emily Zahradnick (Neil) and Lindsay Gallegly. Her grandchildren have provided eight great-grandchildren. Her niece, Sally Ward and nephew, Jerry Smith live in or near Cedarburg, Wis.
Preceding her in death was her brother, William Smith (Jane); and her parents William and Jennie Smith.
Nana, as she was known to family, was a devoted, thoughtful wife to Mannon, her husband of over 70 years. She was cherished and beloved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her kindness, wisdom and generosity of heart. She was the anchor of the family.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation services.
Mary was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, in Morgantown, where her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21.
Condolences: hastingfuneralhome.com