September 24, 1944 – December 30, 2023
Born to Alice (Reilly) and Edward Smith in San Francisco, Susan Jane (Smith) Gallagher spent her entire life in the Bay Area. She attended Star of the Sea Academy and graduated from Mission High School. A non-traditional student, Susan earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from California State University at Hayward, after raising her children as a single parent. She spent the next 30-plus years working as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, until her retirement in March 2020.
Susan celebrated over 39 years of sobriety, living one day at a time, working her steps. Alcoholics Anonymous and its tenets were central to the peace she found in her later years.
Susan is survived by her children, Alicia Reilly (Beth Vincent), Elaine (Andy) Carr, and Ed (Leonor) Gallagher; grandchildren, Emily (Ryan) Osur, Stephanie (Sudesh) Chinniah, Chaz Gallagher, Shane (Dasha) Gallagher, Brenna Gallagher, and Megan Gallagher; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Alice “Sally” (Doug) Spencer; and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Edward “Rich” Smith and David Smith.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming months (date and location TBD), and Susan’s ashes will be scattered in a private, family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan’s name to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.