Helen Mary (Gorman) Galley

It is with deep sadness that the family of the late Helen Mary (Gorman) Galley announces her passing at the age of 98 on Sunday, February 1, 2026. She passed away very peacefully, surrounded by her family at Percy's Place.

Born in Craigville, NB, on June 9, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred Gorman and Gertrude Fitzpatrick Gorman. Known to her siblings as "Nen", she grew up with her brothers and sisters on the family farm. She married Philip James Galley of Newcastle, NB, in 1947 at St. Patrick's Church in Nelson, and together they raised a large family of ten children, 5 boys and 5 girls. Mom lived on the Chaplin Island Road from 1970 to 2023, when she moved into Bridgeview Hall.

Mom attended St. Mary's Convent during her school years and was taught by the nuns, whom she loved! After marriage, she attended St. Mary's Church and was a member of the Catholic Women's League and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 10. She volunteered at the food bank for many years and was a supporter of World Vision for over 50 years.

Mom was a very gentle woman of great faith. She lived her life loving and helping others in many capacities. Her door was always open to anyone in need. Although reserved in many ways, she displayed her fun and loving side to her family and friends. She was proud of her Irish heritage and loved attending the Irish Festival and walking in or observing the parades every year.

At the age of 48, she was widowed. She experienced tragedy many times throughout her long life, losing several children and those she loved, but her faith remained unbroken and brought her great comfort throughout these trials. Mom's faith never wavered. She prayed the rosary every night of her life.

She had long been determined to get her driver's license, and at 58, she achieved her goal, and this fed her independent spirit with driving adventures. From then on, it was always in everyone's best interest to call ahead to see if she was at home. If she were home, you could find her baking bread, cookies, and lovely meals for her family. Mom loved to exercise by walking and biking and enjoyed these activities daily until her 88th year. She stopped driving at 90, by her choice.

In her younger years, she loved to travel and especially loved to be in Florida during the cold Canadian winters. She loved a good game of cards and listening to Irish music! Mom's home was always a welcome gathering place - a warm, bustling, lived-in place where the door was always open, and no matter how many people gathered, there was always room for one more. A seat on the dining room sofa was always a coveted spot after a meal at Jiggsie's!

Mom will be greatly missed by her daughters, Phyllis Galley, Lynn Doyle (Kevin), Betsy Galley (Robert Muzzerall), and Bonnie Galley; her son, Fred Galley (Beverly); and her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Galley. 

Aside from her husband Phil and her parents, she was predeceased by her sons Frankie, Danny, Harold, and Donnie, and one daughter, Judy Matheson; her brothers Stan (Mary), Wilfred (Irene), Marvin (Gladys), Raymond (Marg), Leo, Leonard (Evangeline), and Reginald; her sisters Theresa (Leonard Butler), and Eileen (Fred Mick); and her sisters in law Glendon Newman (John) and Margerie Ferguson (Bud). 

She is survived by her sister and best friend, Rita Ryan, and cherished sister in law Donalda Galley Lefloch; her many grandchildren, who called her Nanny, Grammy, or Jiggsie (a pet name for her from her husband Phil): Christine, Genny, James Galley (Sarah), Wendy, Melissa (Jason Ullock), Holly Galley (Owen Martin), Jody Lynch (Kelly), Cindy Lynch (Reid Davidson), Victoria Gunter (Steve), J.D., Jeff, and Jolene Matheson, Sharilyn Smith (Geoff), Jared Doyle (Kiki), Deandra Doyle (Alexander Campbell), Cassie, Megan, and Rebecca Galley; great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Krista, Annika, Alexa, Emily, Emma, Jake, Layla, Logan, Makenzee, Jude, Charlotte, William, Harrison, Ethan, Teagan, Finn, and Chloe; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank her caregivers, Suzette Mandap and Sandy Couvilion, who became part of our family. She received great care from her daughters and caregivers at home and at Bridgeview Hall, and in her last days at Percy's Place. We wish to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at both facilities for their tender care. 

In keeping with Mom's wishes, there will be no visitation. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 11 o'clock with Father Peter Aloo officiating. St. Mary's folk choir (River Crew) will be singing. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Miramichi Community Food Bank or Percy's Place would be kindly accepted. 

Rest easy, Mom, until we see you again.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741.

Where your loved one never leaves our care.