Warm tributes have been extended to retired chemical engineer Stella Gallagher, who passed away after being attacked by a knife-wielding man near her home in Ballinlough in Cork city last Monday
The Ballinspittle, Co Cork, native spent many years working at Eli Lilly in Kinsale, where colleagues remember her fondly, reports Breaking News.
The 59-year-old, who lived in Shrewsbury Downs in Ballinlough, was also deeply involved in local community life.
She was greatly respected at Togher Community Garden, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit project on Cork city’s southside, reports Breaking News.
In an online post, members of the garden community expressed their sorrow at the loss of their dear friend and talented gardener, Stella.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and fellow gardener, Stella,” reports Breaking News.
“Stella was a cherished and invaluable friend to us all in the Togher Community Garden family. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone here.
“We will especially remember her beautiful smile and the gentle person she was to everyone she met. Our garden will always hold memories of her kindness.
“We send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Stella. “
Meanwhile, her condolences page on Rip.ie has accumulated dozens of messages from people whose lives Stella touched,
A fellow gardener from Togher Community Garden said that Stella “who somebody
who made such an impression so quickly.”
“Her personality really shone through. She brought a lot of life into our garden, it’s the people who make a community, & with the mark she left on us, she’ll always be a part of ours,” reports Breaking News.
Mrs Gallagher was also a treasured member of the SHEP Community Choir. A choir representative noted that Stella had been involved “since the very beginning” and cherished her place in the group,
“She was a very gentle and caring presence in the choir and brought much joy to others through her singing and camaraderie.
She recognised the power and comfort of singing with others.
She was also a very committed and generous supporter of the choir’s fundraising initiatives. She was much loved and will be very much missed. May her gentle and kind soul be at peace.”
A fellow member of the choir described Stella as a “kind, thoughtful, gentle lady who always had time for a chat”, while another said she was “beautiful both inside and out,” reports Breaking News.
Her former colleagues at Eli Lilly in Kinsale highlighted her “kind, caring nature” as well as her professional skill as an engineer.
One longtime coworker said it had been a “pleasure and privilege to have worked with her” and another shared that they had learned much from her “both in engineering and in life,” reports Breaking News.
Another person spoke warmly of their early days working alongside Stella in Pegasus Engineering in the late 1980s as both of their careers began.
Mrs Gallagher, née Griffin, was also fondly remembered by parents whose children attended St Anthony’s NS in Ballinlough at the same time as her sons, reports Breaking News.
A secondary-school classmate recalled her as a “warm, kind, gentle and unassuming” friend.
Mrs Gallagher’s gentle nature was evident from childhood, according to a primary-school classmate who had not seen her for many years,
Meanwhile, the funeral for Mrs Gallagher — whose husband Brian was also seriously injured in the stabbing — will take place on Tuesday.
Her death notice states that she is survived by her husband Brian and her children Ciara, Conor and Mark, reports Breaking News.
She is also “sadly missed” by her brother Denis, parents-in-law Val and Geraldine, brothers-in-law Alan and Mark, sisters in law Erika, Ann, Michele and Mary, nephews nieces, extended family and friends.
The “much-loved mother” will rest at Temple Hill Funeral Home on Boreenmanna Road in Cork from 5pm to 6pm tomorrow (Monday), reports Breaking News.
Her requiem mass will be held on Tuesday at 11am at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ballinlough. It will be livestreamed, and burial will follow at St Michael’s Cemetery in Blackrock in Cork city.
Meanwhile, David Gallagher, of Shrewsbury Downs in Ballinlough, has been charged with murdering his mother and assault causing harm to his father near their home last Monday night, reports Breaking News.
Mr Gallagher (25) was remanded in custody after a court appearance last Wednesday. He is due to appear again before Cork District Court via video link on Wednesday.
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