Cecilia Marie Gallagher

Cecilia Marie Gallagher, 88, of Needham, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous three-week battle with cancer. Born on September 17, 1937, in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Jenny Scanzillo, and the sister of the late Augusta Scanzillo and Lola Cuevas.

A proud first-generation Italian American, Cecilia graduated from Jamaica Plain High School and soon after began working at an insurance company on Milk Street in Boston. At the age of twenty-one, she married the love of her life, John H. Gallagher Jr. Together, they built a life in Needham, Massachusetts, where she lovingly raised their family.

Cecilia will be remembered most for her deep love for her family and the joy she found in being a devoted mother and grandmother. Her life centered around the people she cherished most, and she took great pride in being present for every meaningful milestone and moment.

She never missed a grandchild’s school play, sporting event, graduation, concert, recital, art show, or karate tournament, to name just a few. Her unwavering enthusiasm was a constant source of encouragement and love.

Cecilia created countless treasured memories through family vacations with her grandchildren, traveling to destinations such as Walt Disney World, California, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Aruba, the United Kingdom, and Italy—especially Sorrento and Rome, which held a special place in her heart. Closer to home, she enjoyed outings to Foxwoods Casino and spent part of every summer on Cape Cod. There, she delighted in jumping waves at Nauset Beach when her grandchildren were younger, as well as walking along the shore and enjoying the peaceful water views in East Falmouth.

Cecilia had a vibrant spirit and a love of life that was evident to all who knew her. She enjoyed staying active at the gym, dancing and singing around the house, and bringing laughter to family gatherings. In her younger years, she also found joy in bowling.

A lifelong animal lover, Cecilia cared for many dogs over the years, including seven beloved rough collies and Shetland sheepdogs, and most recently her cherished bichon, Murphy. Walking and caring for her dogs was one of her greatest daily joys.

Cecilia’s warmth, liveliness, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered. She was predeceased by her husband and parents. She is survived by her sister, Rita Durfee of Natick, and her brother, John Scanzillo of Florida. She was the devoted mother of John H. Gallagher III and his spouse, Catherine DeMello, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Karen G. Brassil and her husband, Paul W. Brassil, of Medfield, Massachusetts.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Emma O’Connor and her husband, Brendan; Maia Gallagher; Gavin Gallagher; Rochelle Stone-DeMello; Caroline Brassil; Jennifer Wondolowski and her husband, Rob; and Jack Brassil. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Tuesday, April 14th from 5-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Wednesday, April 15th at 10 am. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Needham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecilia’s memory to MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. Donations may be made through the MSPCA-Angell Memorial Gift Form, online at mspca.org/remember, or by phone at 617-541-5046. Contributions support homeless and sick animals.

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