Elizabeth "Betty" Gallagher Mullaly

Elizabeth “Betty” Gallagher Mullaly of Rockland passed away surrounded by her loving family at South Shore Hospital on November 4, 2023. Betty was born on September 3, 1940, in Boston, MA. She is predeceased by her parents Thomas & Margaret Dooley. Betty was predeceased by her husband Herbert Mullaly, as well as her first husband and the father to her children, Michael Gallagher.  Several years after the passing of her first husband, Michael, Betty ran into Herb at a high school reunion.  Within months they were engaged, and Betty had remarried at the age of 73.  This second marriage blessed Betty with four stepsons whom she adored. 

Betty is survived by her loving children from her first love and husband Michael.   Kevin Gallagher and his wife Kristen Gallagher of Attleboro, MA, Michael Gallagher Jr., of Rockland, MA.  Shawn Gallagher of Brockton, MA and Brian Gallagher and his late wife Bonnie, of Brockton, MA. Betty was the loving grandmother to numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Betty is survived by her adoring brother and sister-in-law Thom Dooley and his wife Diane of Kingston, MA, and her brother in law Paul Fiske of Weymouth. Betty was predeceased by her sister Carol Fiske.

Betty’s ingrained passion for caring for others led her to attend Holy Ghost Hospital of nursing.  Betty went onto be a nurse until she retired. Even after retirement Betty continued to care for others as it was just part of her heart and soul.  Whether it was caring for people or animals, it didn’t matter to Betty.  She gave 110% of herself to benefit others while often sacrificing her own needs.   She absolutely loved animals and had dozens of pets over her lifetime including dogs, birds, cats and even a monkey named Mike. Betty took in countless stray cats, many of them were feral.  She would provide them with whatever medical care was needed. 

In addition to being an incredible lover of animals and of her family, Betty was an avid Boston Red Sox fan; she always enjoyed watching a ball game.  If she couldn’t watch it on the television, she would find it on the radio. 

Betty’s legacy will be her incredible selflessness. Betty never complained and had such a positive attitude even in the face of adversity and right up until the day she took her last breath. 

 A visitation will be held at the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington on Friday November 10 from 4pm to 6pm, followed by a funeral home service at 6pm. 

In Lieu of flowers and to honor Betty’s love of animals, please consider making a donation to:  MSPCA-Angell    If you wish to make a donation via mail please send to:  MSPCA-Angell Attn: Donations 350 S. Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02130. 

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