Donna Gallagher

Obituary of Donna Gallagher

Donna Gallagher, age 87, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at her home.  She was born on August 22, 1938, to the late Paul and Nellie Marie (nee Stormer) Murtha.

Donna was born and grew up in Johnstown, PA, where she graduated from Bishop McCort High School. A faithful member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Joliet, Donna lived her faith through kindness, compassion, and devotion, to those she loved. 

She was an avid sports fan, always cheering on her favorite teams — the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. 

 She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a proud step-grandmother and step-great-grandmother. As a dedicated homemaker, she found joy in caring for her family and creating a welcoming home filled with love and laughter.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her loving sons, Tom (Rose) Gallagher and Dan (Angela) Gallagher; her beloved step-granddaughters, Amanda (Robert) Luciano, and Ashley Ward; two beloved step-great-grandchildren Ronan and Aria Luciano; her dear sister, Gayle Marie Weir, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas B. Gallagher; brothers, Anthony Murtha, in infancy, Paul Murtha, Dick Murtha, and her sister, Sharon Balough.

Visitation for Donna Gallagher will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 12 Noon, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.,) Joliet, IL.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet, IL.

The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.  Please click on this link (https://youtube.com/live/eda1tiX7DVA?feature=share) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

Monday
10
November

Visitation

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, November 10, 2025
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500
Monday
10
November

Chapel Service

12:00 pm
Monday, November 10, 2025
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500

Interment

Woodlawn Memorial Park
23060 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, Illinois, United States