Mary Frances Gallatin (née Tigney) transitioned peacefully on Friday, June 30th at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, surrounded by a bevy of family and loved ones.
Born in 1959 to Wilbur and Maggie Tigney in White Post, Va., she spent her childhood in Front Royal, Va.; later relocating to Harrisburg, Pa. where she worked at and retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Mary (who was also affectionately known as “Jupe” and “Miss Mary” to many) shone her light and left an indelible impression upon everyone she encountered in her fifty-eight years. It wasn’t unusual to find her dancing for hours on end to oldies tunes; doting on her children and grandchildren; writing poetry; singing, and indulging in her one true passion, cooking. Mary carefully placed love into every meal she created, and would (without hesitation) happily prepare a plate for a hungry stranger that she just met in the same manner as she would a family member that she knew for decades. For to her, everyone was cherished as family. And to everyone, she signified home. Her unconditional love, beautiful smile, mischievous laughter, unwavering strength, and unadulterated zest for life were pure and contagious.
Preceding her in eternal life are her beloved parents; brother Charles Tigney; sister Maggie Tigney; and husband Edward Gallatin.
She is survived by sisters Caroline Robinson, Anna Williams, Eleanor Kerns, Mabel Butler, and Elsie Tigney; brothers John, Preston, and Timothy Tigney; daughters Rhonda, Chanita, and Kenyatte Canidate; step-daughter Theresa Stern; grandchildren Airas Canidate, Xavier Canidate, Zabria Canidate, Rayna Canidate, Nea’Qumma Mingledorf and Kayla Johnson; great-grandchildren Candice Zimmerman and Madison Quattlebaum; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, et al.; and countless ‘honorary members’ of her family who will most definitely mourn her loss; but be comforted by the fact that they were fortunate enough to be able to bask in her love, generosity, warmth, and radiance during her all too brief tenure in this realm.
The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 8 at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630; with viewing taking place at 10:00 a.m. Service will be held at 11:00 a.m.