Margaret Loretta Gallen

In Loving Memory of Margaret Loretta Gallen, who passed away on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, at the age of 90. Margaret (Peggy) Gallen was born on March 10th 1933, in Philadelphia, PA to John Stephen Gallen and Elizabeth Loretta (Comerford) Gallen. She was a resident of Artis Senior Living of Huntingdon Valley where she resided since January 2021. Prior to her time at Artis Senior Living, Peggy was a resident of City View Condominiums, in Philadelphia where she returned after retirement to the Fairmount neighborhood of her childhood. Peggy graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School in 1951. Following graduation, she entered St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating with an RN in 1954. Peggy worked at various hospitals as an RN eventually serving as supervisor in obstetrics at Holy Redeemer Hospital, Meadowbrooke, PA. At the same time she pursued her dream of completing a bachelor of science degree in nursing by attending night classes. In 1960 she graduated with a BSN from the Villanova University School of Nursing Peggy had a life long devotion to mothers and babies. In 1963 Peggy joined the Peace Corp and was assigned to the World Health Organization Clinic in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia in North Africa. After 2 years in the Peace Corp she stayed on at the WHO Clinic in Tunis as a staff member for an additional 2 years. Upon Her return to the US, Peggy entered the Catholic University Masters Degree Program in Nursing with a concentration in midwifery that included a 6-month practicum in Santa Fe, NM. She received her Masters Degree in Nursing in 1968 and went on to teach for 2 years in the midwifery program at Georgetown University. In 1970 Peggy returned to her hands-on work with mothers & babies as a midwife at the District of Columbia General Hospital in Washington, DC. Eventually becoming the head of maternity care. She continued to serve mothers & babies at D.C. General until her retirement in 2000. Peggy was a world traveler. She visited every continent in the world including a visit to the Great Wall in Mainland China. Peggy was a lover of books and reading, a life-long passion she passed onto her nieces & nephews through an unending stream of books, magazine clippings & newspaper articles. Peggy was also an ardent advocate of education, especially for girls. Through her generosity many students have been given a path to higher education. Peggy is survived by her 3 nieces & 2 nephews (Barbara Gallen of Lancaster, PA, Patrick Gallen and his wife Dianna of Philadelphia, PA, Elizabeth Gallen of Oldwick, NJ, Monica Gallen of Providence, NJ and Thomas Gallen of Doylestown, PA. Additionally, Peggy is survived by 6 great-nieces & nephews as well as 7 great-great-nieces & nephews. A viewing will be held on Saturday January 20th 20024 from 9 - 10 AM followed by a funeral Mass at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 2319 Green St., Philadelphia. Internment will take place immediately after Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Rd, Yeadon, PA. Followed by a luncheon at Popi’s Restaurant, 3120 S 20th St, Philadelphia. Arrangements entrusted to Dinan Funeral Home, Philadelphia. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.dinanfuneralhome.com/obituaries In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Margaret L. Gallen to the Maternity Care Coalition. Please mail your check to: Maternity Care Coalition, 3401 I St, Suite 407, Philadelphia, PA 19134

Margaret Loretta Gallen

March 10, 1933 - January 9, 2024

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Margaret Loretta Gallen

March 10, 1933 - January 9, 2024

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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