Joan E. Gallagher

Joan Evelyn Gallagher, 92, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 19, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born May 1, 1927 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to the late Ralph and Maude (Hikes) Fisher. Joan met the love of her life, Roy, prior to him leaving for WWII. Their love grew through the letters they shared while he was serving. The two wed on August 21,1947 after Roy was wounded in battle and returned home. She devoted her life to her two children, Rodger and Joni.

Joan is most known for planting her seed of faith to serving Jehovah God. She faithfully read the Bible and Watchtower for which her whole heart believed in. She was a selfless woman who also cared and guided many of her grandchildren throughout their lives. Most remember Joan as “Grandma” who had a smile that could light up a room. Her unconditional love and devotion will forever be with us.

Psalm 25 “To you, O Jehovah, I turn. My God, I trust in you...Make me know your ways, O Jehovah; Teach me your paths. Cause me to walk in your truth and teach me, For you are my God salvation. In you I hope all day long. Remember your mercy, O Jehovah, and your loyal love, which you have always shown.”

She is survived by her daughter, Joni Smith; grandchildren, Amber, Megan, Michael (Victoria), John (Maranda), Gideon and Keisha Smith; a number of great-grandchildren; and brother, Dorn Fisher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Maude (Hikes) Fisher; husband, Leroy Gallagher; son, Rodger Gallagher; and five brothers.

Joan found comfort in Rev 21:3-4 “With that I heard a loud voiced from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Hennis Care Centre of Dover for all the care they provided Joan in the last year of her life. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January, 22, at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia.