Matilda (Burke) Gallagher

Matilda Burke Gallagher, age 98, passed away January 31, 2025 at The Gardens at Millville of natural
causes. Born October 11, 1926 in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, she was the fifth of six children of William
Burke (1894 - 1928) and Marjorie Tempest Burke (1900 - 1990).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, John J. O’Donnell (1893 - 1966), seven
siblings, her husband, Charles E. Gallagher (1917 - 1960), their daughter, Judith A. Buschnell (1943 -
2009), and her long-time companion, Edward T. Koloski (1928 - 2002). Her sister, Nancie O’Donnell
Sexton (1935 - 2025) recently joined her in eternal rest.

Matilda is survived by her loving brother, Joseph J. O’Donnell, of Drums, Pennsylvania, whose dedicated
care and attention to his two sisters, Bobbi and Nancie, helped to sustain a close and special bond among
them that lasted from childhood until their passings. She is also survived by her three sons, John B.
Gallagher (Jack), of Scottsdale, Arizona, Charles E. Gallagher (Charlie) and his wife, Melissa Gallagher,
of Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, William R. Gallagher (Bill) and his wife, Susan Gallagher, of Park Ridge,
Illinois, her four grandchildren, Meghan Shaffer, Amanda Kramkowski and her husband, Joseph, Mary
Gallagher, and Ryan Gallagher, all of Chicago, Illinois, and two great-grandchildren, Aiden Shaffer and
Frederick Kramkowski.

In addition, she is survived by many nephews, nieces, and their extended families.

Matilda, known to her friends and family as Bobbi or Tillie, moved to Hazleton as a young child with her
mother, step-father, and siblings where she grew up. She was a graduate of Saint Gabriel’s High School,
class of 1944. She married her husband, Charlie, a WWII veteran of the China Burma India theater and a
20 plus year employee with PP&L in 1947. She was a longtime member of Saint Francis of Assisi Church
of West Hazleton, where she resided for most of her life.

Widowed at 33 by the tragic death of her husband, Charlie, in an automobile accident, she nurtured and
raised their four young children. She worked for many years in the 1960’s and 1970’s at Greco’s Drugs in
downtown Hazleton.

She travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Mexico and South America with her daughter, Judy.
She was an avid interior decorator and always manifested a sense of style and grace in her appearance
and surroundings. Matilda possessed a captivating laugh and you could not help but laugh with her.

She was a teacher, a role model, and a devoted, loving mother to her children. Aunt Bobbi cherished all of
her many nephews and nieces. Bobbi was a loyal and true friend to her inner circle of associates her
whole life. Her passing will be mourned by all who knew her and her beautiful spirit will live on as long as
her memory survives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday June 28 th at 10:00 AM at Annunciation Parish,
Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 9 AM to 10 AM prior to the Mass.

Donations may be made in memory of Matilda to a charity of choice.

Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton.

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