Barbara “Barb” Ann Gallagher (Kerin), passed away peacefully with her two daughters by her side on January 2, 2024. She was born November 7, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, as the youngest child of Marcus and Georgia Kerin. Her lifetime of positive energy, wisdom, and motivation was spent among loving family, neighbors, friends, educators and students.
She spent her childhood years in Denver where she attended St. Francis De Sales grade school and high school. It was during these early years that she began to entertain a lifetime filled with music, speech & drama, theater and lifelong friendships. She continued these passions at Western State College, often as the leading actress on stage, with a degree in education.
Barb met the love of her life on a blind date in high school. On July 14, 1973, she married John Gallagher at St. Rose of Lima Church in Denver, Colorado. This union produced two daughters and a lifetime of family values, religion, social events and world travel.
She was a member and constant supporter of Holy Apostles Catholic Church for over 45 years and served as a mentor for the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). For 30 years, she also belonged to a neighborhood Bible study and was active in a daily reflection and prayer group for Catholics. She served her community as an educator and a published author for the Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Coalition and the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform.
Barb was the kind of teacher who saw the magnitude and potential in others and encouraged each of her students to pursue their dreams. Early in her career, she was a substitute teacher for all districts in Colorado Springs and assisted with the musical theater performances for Wasson, Doherty, and Mitchell High Schools. During this time, she also co-founded an early-on kinesiology-based learning facility that focused on teaching teachers, educating, and coaching people to choose positive change in their lives. She returned to full time teaching at The Bijou School until her retirement in 2008. The ability to motivate and inspire those who find learning difficult was something she enjoyed and succeeded in.
Barb was a true virtue of unconditional love and kindness to many. She would educate on how to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. She would take the time to listen and taught to never criticize, but seize the opportunity to learn from our strengths and weaknesses. She instilled all of these values while gaining respect and love. During her lifetime, one of her greatest sources of joy was when she became a grandma. She adored her grandsons and they simply became her passion for life and her greatest accolade.
Barb was preceded in death by her life-long love, companion and husband of 48 years, John Gallagher. Their legacy is continued through the ones they loved the most: Kerry (Jon Gonzales); Bridget (Chad Carter); two grandsons: Sullivan and Dockerty Carter; two brothers: Jim (Mary) Kerin and John (Karen) Kerin; and numerous in laws, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins. Cremation has taken place and a Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024. A reception will follow at a location to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to be made in memory of Barbara Gallagher to:
Operation Smile, St. Jerome Mission: 1434 South Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80210,
or to Marian House Colorado Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.