Westborough – Joyce Gallinagh, 79, of Westborough, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. For 57 years she was the wife of John Gallinagh, the love of her life.
Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, she was the daughter of the late George and Florence (Smyrl) Bell and was raised and educated in Northern Ireland.
Joyce was employed as a secretary in the medical field, and she was a dedicated volunteer as a member of the Westborough Women’s Club, the Westborough Food Pantry, Dismas House, Powder Hill Board of Directors and Chair of the Powder Hill Landscape Committee.
Joyce was happiest when helping others. As a mother and a wife Joyce poured her heart and soul into her family. Family and friends were everything to Joyce. When she wasn’t focused on her family and friends, she unselfishly gave her time to countless incredible causes. Whether that was delivering meals or Christmas gifts to those in need or working with the Dismas House an organization which has been a beacon of hope for former prisoners in greater Worcester as they re-enter society. Many who know Joyce probably never knew she about the countless acts of kindness because she would never seek any recognition for her efforts. All she wanted was the feeling she received from helping others.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, John Gallinagh and his significant other, Lisa Barton of South Boston, Christine Gallinagh of Northborough, and Meghan Gallinagh of Westborough: four grandchildren, Liam Gallinagh, Ava Gallinagh, Declan Anderson, and Rowan Anderson and six siblings, Robert Bell, Victoria Blair, Norma Lally, Eleanor Laverty, Ruth Hill, and Joan Brenton.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 A.M. in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to one of the three organizations Joyce was very passionate about:
Dismas House (www.dismasisfamily.org)
Appalachia Service Project (www.asphome.org)
VNA Care (www.vnacare.org)
Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
