Laverne Kathleen Gallagher

Laverne Kathleen Cripps was born on November 19, 1927 to Lee and Veronica Cripps in Madison, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of six, her twin brother was born a few minutes ahead of her. She met her husband Jerome “Joe” Francis Gallagher when she was nine years old. They were both interested in acrobatics and soon teamed up and performed together in the Madison, Wisconsin area for several years.

Laverne was seventeen, the first time the couple married, however a very unhappy Father had the young couple marry a second time in the Catholic Church. Soon after, Jerome joined the Navy and their first son, William Lee was born March 13, 1946. Three years later a second son, Lawrence Gerald arrived on March 29, 1949 and their third and last son, Charles Edward joined the family on March 31, 1950.

In 1952 the young family moved to Port Orchard, Washington where Joe began his twenty year career in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Several Years later, they bought their first home in Bremerton, Washington and raised their three sons.

From the time she was a baby, her nickname was “Tiny” and that name has stuck with her ever since. She was a homemaker and her hobby was ceramics. As the boys grew, they were all very active in sports and she was their biggest fan and she never missed a game. Their oldest son Bill, went into the Air Force and a few years later, Larry, then Chuck were off to college. Then marriage came for each son. Before the first grandchild was born, she lost her beloved husband, Joe, he was on 49 and she was 43. She never married again. As the years advanced she once again found herself involved in sports, attending her eight grandchildren’s activities, which kept her very busy. It was during this time that her oldest sister, Jeanette came to live with her. Together they were able to travel and became very close. They were a blessing to each other as Jeanette had lost her husband and never had children. Pretty soon, those grandchildren starting having families, a total of nine great-grandchildren blessed her life. Once again she found herself back in the game.

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we say “Goodbye” to our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. We know that you are at peace as you are finally back with your beloved husband. Together we know you are both watching over your family, cheering us on to our next event.