Charmaine Gallagher Death: Charmaine Badal Gallagher was born on December 29, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Stephanie Badal. Charmaine graduated as salutatorian from Amundsen High School and received a full-ride scholarship to Northern Illinois University, where she majored in French and minored in Spanish. She went on to earn a master’s degree in French from the University of Illinois, which included a year of study at the Sorbonne University in Paris.
Meeting the Love of Her Life
While working as a flight attendant stationed in New Jersey, Charmaine met the love of her life, Jim Gallagher. They were married on October 4, 1986, at the Lutheran Good Shepherd Church in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. The couple had two children, Caroline and Jordan, and moved to Gastonia in 1993, where Charmaine’s love for her family shone brightly.
Devotion to Faith and Community
Charmaine had a profound love for Jesus, which she shared with those around her. She was an active member of Parkwood Baptist Church for 30 years, participating in numerous ministries. She sang in the choir, went on several mission trips, helped with AWANAs, and eagerly participated in Vacation Bible School every year. Her volunteer work included 15 years at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, wrapping gifts for Least of These Carolinas, and raising money for Shining Hope Farms.
A Passionate Educator and Artist
Throughout her life, Charmaine taught French and Spanish at various schools and grade levels, including collegiate. She also homeschooled her children through primary school. Her passion for travel led her to bring her family to France in 2016 to share her favorite places. Charmaine was an incredibly talented artist and painter, organizing a mural displayed for many years at Piedmont Community Charter School.
Services and Remembrance
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Parkwood Baptist Church of Gastonia at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Jeff Long officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen, A Quiet Place cemetery of Belmont, NC.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County. Checks can be mailed to 700 Robinson Road, Gastonia, NC 28056, or donations can be made on their website at cpcgaston.com.
