Ann Elizabeth Gallagher

Ann grew up in Saranac Lake. From a young age, Ann exhibited a talent for both sports and music. She was a natural gymnast. She practiced on the balance beam, built for her in the back yard, and she entertained family and friends with handstands, back bends and splits. Later in her teens, Ann studied ballet. She was drawn to the discipline and beauty of the movements and the sheer joy of music.

A self-taught musician, Ann had a dusky, passionate singing voice and a strong expressive guitar style. Both were perfectly suited for her first musical love — the blues. As she sang and played you could feel the honesty and depth of her soul.

For most of her adult life, Ann lived in San Diego, California. She absolutely loved the ocean and spent many days and nights walking, swimming or camping on the beach.

Ann won many loyal customers as a warm and humorous waitress. She was also great with children and worked with them for many years. She was a gentle and playful guardian.

Ann was a deeply compassionate woman. She understood suffering and became known by many homeless people in San Diego as “the therapist.” Her sense of humor was legendary. A comic genius. Even in the darkest of times, Ann would come out with a joke that lifted spirits and perspectives. Her easy laugh was infectious.

There was no animal Ann met with whom she didn’t share an immediate bond. They had an unspoken understanding. She rescued cats and took in a dog from the streets. She walked dogs at animal shelters and she regularly ran with tame wolves on the beach. She was a tender-hearted animal champion.

We will miss our precious Ann but we know that she is still ready to share a laugh and understand our tears. She is with us always. Until we meet again.

Ann was predeceased by her father Bill and her brother Bob. She is survived by her mother, Thomasina, her sisters Gail, Felista and Beth and her brothers Chip and Kevin. Her nieces MacKenzie, Katharine, Jacquelyn, Melina and Tabitha. Five great nephews: Mark, Luke, John, Jase and Beau. And the many friends she met along the way, especially her longtime friends Gerry and Michelle.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral mass for Ann will be help at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Martin Cline officiating. A committal mass and burial will be held in the spring at Harrietstown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Ann’s memory.