Obituary

Barbara Gailey, age 84, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023, after nearly a six-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on Beaver Falls on December 3, 1939, Barbara was preceded in death by husbands, Bill Castro of San Diego, CA, George Gailey of Industry, PA, and sisters, Shirley Newman, Helen Woloszyn, and Phyllis Kradle.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey (Tom) Talkowski; and grandchildren, Alex, Paige, and Trevor Talkowski.

Shortly after graduating from Beaver Falls High School, Barbara made the long drive to the west to start a new life in Los Angeles, California.  After a number of years on the west coast, she returned to the Pittsburgh area and was employed at the 911^th Air Force base in Moon Twp. for decades.  In 1991, she married George Gailey, an exceptional partner who brought her much happiness and joy over the years.  Before retiring, Barbara finished her administrative career with US Airways in a variety of roles and positions.  Barb was exceedingly independent and thoroughly enjoyed traveling throughout the country, often with her step-sister, Rita, by her side.  Trips to New England, Las Vegas, California, and Europe were a source of great fun and adventure.  She was particularly fond of dinners, plays, and musicals in the Pittsburgh cultural district, and was no stranger to shopping excursions and Broadway plays in New York City.  Barb was a terrific cook who loved to bake and was famous for her holiday “banquets” which featured festive decorations and a seemingly endless variety of dishes.  She was a cherished grandmother who spent countless hours supporting and spoiling her grandchildren throughout the years.  The Salvation Army in Beaver Falls often found Barb participating in worship services and other program events.  Although quiet and soft-spoken, Barbara could be fiercely resolute and determined when needed.  She wrote many opinionated letters, was famous for “may I speak to your supervisor please” and often displayed a strong will that belied her otherwise quiet demeanor.  Barb was an exceedingly generous, kind, and gentle soul who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 5^th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, January 6^th at 11AM.

Entombment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 414 16^th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, www.alzinfo.org.