Margaret Ann Gallagher

Margaret Anne Becker Gallagher passed away at home on September 26th, 2008. She was a beloved wife, mother and friend.

She was born at her family home in Ballard May 8th 1927, to Rudolph and Mossie Becker, and was the youngest of 5 children; Rudi, Robert, Martha, and Mary Elizabeth, who died in infancy. She grew up in Seattle, and attended Ballard High School, class of 1945. Margaret was also very musical. She sang and played cello in high school, and in later years played piano. She also was a student at the University of British Columbia.

Margaret married Keith Taylor after high school. They had a daughter, Robin. A second marriage to William in 1951 lasted to her time of her passing. Together they had one son, Daniel. William adopted Robin as a baby.

Life was full with family and work. Margaret delivered newspapers in 1951 in her Willys Jeepster. She worked in title insurance for 5 years, and was a dental assistant from 1961 to 1977. She was the bookkeeper for Drotning Dental Laboratory until she retired in 2002. Margaret was very active in her children's life. She was a Girl Scout leader and was later involved in Cub Scouti...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

For many years, she published the PTA newsletter for Viewlands Elementary School. She was also extremely supportive of her children's musical interests as Robin played oboe in the Seattle Youth Symphony.

As a Master Gardener through the Washington State University Extension Service Master Gardener program, she was a regular volunteer for the phone clinic. If you ever called the clinic with a gardening question, you may have heard her cheerful, sunshine voice say, "WSU Master Gardener, how may I help you'" She owned a comprehensive horticultural reference library to assist her in researching her answers. She was also a creative and exacting cook, taking great joy in her extensive cookbook collection from around the world. We were the happy recipients of many of her wonderful culinary experiments. Another favorite pastime for her was working the New York Times crossword puzzle.

Above all, Margaret loved the home she shared with her husband, Bill. Together they planted the garden in spring, and harvested the vegetables and fruit in autumn. Their annual corn patch was a beautiful thing in the neighborhood, and their venerable old pear tree, which continues to produce a bumper crop, is a splendid legacy from another time.

Margaret carried herself with integrity and love. She always had time to listen and share. She really was our "chief cook, and bottle washer.", bringing many things to life as well as encouraging those things, which made life better. We remain motivated in that spirit of unlimited possibilities. She had a wry sense of humor and she was the center of our universe.

Although illness became more burdensome in later years, she kept that indomnible spirit alive. Thanks to the enduring love and support of William, we were all able to enjoy her years beyond where she might have died. We thank you both for all the love you have shared.

Margaret is survived by William, her husband of 57 years, daughter Robin Adair, son Daniel Gallagher, grandchildren Gabriel Morgan, Paisley and Shauna Gallagher, Holly Ainslie, and one great-grandson, Newayne. She also has one surviving brother, Robert Becker, with his wife Loraine, and a niece & nephew, Susan Hoefliene and Bobby Becker. At her request, there will be no service, however, please join us in celebration by sharing in Margaret's guest book.