Mary Gallwas

Mary Catherine Gallwas, 75, of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center due to complications from COVID-19.

This tragic and unexpected loss has the family urgently requesting community members, friends, and family to consider the vaccine.

Mary was born in Dickinson, ND to Patrick and Rose Marie McNamara. She grew up on a farm in Bowman, ND and later moved to Torrance, CA when she was 10 years old. She finished growing up in Pedley, CA where she graduated high school from Rubidoux High School. Mary loved rural living and enjoyed many hobbies such as working with horses and gardening. She also had a passion for painting and other art.

In 1965 she married the love of her life, Lynden Gallwas. Together they raised three children, Marcella, Matthew, and, 1 6 years later, Glen. In 1973 the family moved from San Bernardino, CA to Oregon. Grants Pass officially became their home in 1979. Throughout her life Mary worked in various fields. She worked for Copeland Lumberyard throughout the 80s as a bookkeeper. Mary left Copeland Lumberyard in the late 80s to raise her wonderful "surprise" child, Glen. She then went to work in Real Estate in the 90s and was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, joining Glen on their adventures. Finally, she took pride in her work as a caregiver.

After moving to Grants Pass, Mary was very active with St. Anne's Catholic Church. She even participated in the choir. Besides her family and church life, Mary also enjoyed bingo, and she crocheted beautiful Christmas snowflakes for Christmas tree decorations.

Mary is survived by her husband, Lynden Gallwas; daughter, Marcella Kennedy; sons, Matthew Gallwas and Glen Gallwas; siblings, Elizabeth Schwedler, Patsy Andersen, Rita Ward, Tim McNamara, Ramona Galetto, Jim McNamara, and Rory McNamara; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick Joseph McNamara; her mother, Rose Marie McNamara; and her first grandson, Bradley James Miller.

A private service has been scheduled. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.