Theresa J. Gallagher “Terry O’Day” (Haggerty)

Theresa J. Gallagher, formerly of Pennside, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the Berkshire Center, surrounded by loving family. Theresa was the widow of Thomas F. Gallagher, who passed November, 1990. They were married 44 years. She was the daughter of the late Sadie A. (nee Gallagher) and Frank J. Haggerty of Locust Street, Reading. Theresa, age 87 at the time of her passing, was a 1944 graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School, and was honored to be crowned Miss Reading Fair in 1949. Theresa, who sang professionally under the name “Terry O’Day”, was a popular local vocalist, and often sang during the big band era as a guest vocalist with the renowned Benny Goodman and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras. She traveled the East Coast singing with the Ken Keely Orchestra and Sam Marabella Band, frequently appearing at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Theresa and Tom were the loving parents of five children; Nancy, wife of Tom Holland of Hilton Head, SC; James T., of Saratoga Springs, NY; Thomas J., husband of Courtney (Lutz) of Reiffton; Eileen, wife of Jon Krize of Robeson Twp. and they were pre-deceased by a son, Joseph P., in April 1991. Theresa was also the loving and caring grandmother of Dr. Amanda (Gallagher) Whetzel, wife of Benjamin; Asa, Whitney, Ian and Gillian Gallagher; Trevor Krize and Amy (Krize) Suveg, wife of Jeffrey. She was pre-deceased by sisters Margaret “Peg” Kline and Marie Folk.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Catharine of Siena R.C.C. 4975 Boyertown Pike Reading, PA 19606 on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. Friends may call at the church from 9:00-10:30 A.M. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery-Laureldale.
Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. Mount Penn is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com