Michigamme – Virginia W. Gallagher, of 21612 Petticoat Lake Rd. in Spurr Twp. passed away on Monday June 23, 2008 at her home on Petticoat Lake while under the loving care of her son and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.


Virginia was born on May 7, 1919 to the late Johann and Alvina (Busse) Walscott in West Albany, MN. She graduated high school in Lake City, MN and the Calhoon Secretarial School in Minneapolis, MN. In April of 1941, Virginia married William E. Gallagher of Minneapolis, MN. Virginia worked as a legal secretary in the Chicago area for many years. In 1979, Virginia and Bill made their home on Petticoat Lake their permanent residence.


She was a long time member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Michigamme until its closure; then a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Virginia worked as a polling assistant during elections and served as secretary of the Petticoat Lake Association, of which she was a long time member. Virginia enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, crocheting, reading and her beloved dogs, Mollie, Muppet and Maggie.


Virginia is survived by a son: Patrick (Rhonda Olson) Gallagher of Michigamme, MI, a sister Marlys (LeRoy) Wood of Molluck, VA, grandsons: Kevin Gallagher of Seattle, WA and Mark Gallagher of Nottingham, England, along with several nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband William, a son: Michael, and two sisters: Gloria Rutt and Frances Leech.


A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion, at 11:00AM on Monday, June 30th, with Fr. Henry Maibusch officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00AM until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme following a luncheon.