Suzanne S. "Sue" Gallagher

Suzanne S. Gallagher, 94, of Carlisle, died Friday, December 8, 2017 at The Bridges at Bent Creek, Mechanicsburg.
She was born November 2, 1923 to the late William R. and Helen Goodier Schmidt and was the widow of General William Gallagher who passed June 12, 1992.
One of the last true bon vivants of her generation, Sue lived life to the fullest. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sue lived through the attacks on Pearl Harbor and continued a life of adventure ever since. A self-proclaimed “Third Generation Army Brat”, Sue traveled throughout Europe and the US during some of history’s greatest conflicts.
Never one to shy away from a social gathering, Sue was the perpetual life of the party. She would hold court with anyone and everyone to share some of her timeless stories, a good drink, or one of her favorite (and often times risqué) jokes. Sue’s personality and sense of humor were matched only by her sense of style, which was equal parts unique and statement-making.
While stationed in Germany, Sue gave birth to “The Love of Her Life”, Suzanne, and eventually settled in Carlisle, after a stop at the US Army War College. Later, Suzanne and Jacob Hays had Jonathan, Sue’s “Precious Baby Boy”, “Presh”, or “PBB” for short.
One of Sue’s favorite activities was traveling the world and exposing Suzanne and Jonathan to as many of her interests possible. Throughout her life, Sue spent countless days at sea aboard a veritable fleet of ocean liners, most notably the Queen Elizabeth II, which gave a woman that hated flying an opportunity to show her grandson the world.
A lifelong fan of the Opera, Sue cherished time spent at the Metropolitan Opera House “The Met”, where she was serenaded by some of the world’s best including Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, and her all-time favorite, Luciano Pavarotti.
Sue was an avid bridge player and looked forward to her weekly Bridge Club gatherings in Carlisle, where she kept her mind sharp by consistently trumping her younger and seemingly sharper peers.
The extent of Sue’s relationships were visible on routine trips through town. Every errand stop was met with a personal connection and conversation, which is a testament to her ability to form lasting bonds with people. Given the opportunity, Sue would gladly update you on the details of her family, like Presh's recent marriage to his "dear heart" Nicole. Sue’s enthusiasm and outgoing spirit was infectious to anyone that was lucky enough to meet her.
Sue never would have wanted anyone to be sad about her passing, she consistently reminded people how lucky she was to have spent 94 years doing what she loved with who she loved, and “wouldn't change a thing.”
Sue is survived by her daughter, Suzanne E. (husband Jacob) Hays of New Vernon, NJ and her grandson, Jonathan F. (wife Nicole) Hays of New York, NY. In addition to her parents and husband Sue was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Spilman.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the US Army War College Memorial Chapel 452 Mara Circle Carlisle, PA 17013 on Carlisle Barracks with Chaplain (Col) Jerry C. Seig officiating. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Suzanne to the Metropolitan Opera, http://www.metopera.org/Support/Make-a-Gift/.