WILMINGTON — Helen Kiernan Gallagher, known to her family and friends as Cookie, died August 4, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 99th birthday.
She was born on July 27,1926 in Greenwich Village, and lived in New York City for over nine decades before moving to North Carolina in 2020.
Cookie raised four children almost single-handedly, while working two jobs and commuting hours everyday on the NYC subways. As a bookkeeper/ office manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers, she was a valued and trusted employee. She was respected for her dedication and integrity, qualities she lived by and instilled in her children.
Cookie had a vibrant sense of humor and a love of music, particularly Frank Sinatra.
Her favorite moments were spending time with her beloved siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and her children and grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her son Raymond Gallagher.
She is survived by her son Joseph Gallagher, daughters Mary Louise Sweeny and Joanne Sheehan (Michael) of Leland, NC and grandchildren Christine Fills, Tracey Gallagher, James Sweeny, Thomas Gallagher, Katharine Gallagher and Michael Sheehan, great grandchildren Julia Henry, Fiona Henry Queenan, Alana Thacker, Alexis Fills, Emma Fills and great great granddaughter Olivia Queenan, who will carry her memory with love and pride.
