Rosalynn “Rosi” Gay Gallagher, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Edgewood, Washington, just shy of her 83rd birthday. Born on May 30, 1942, in Enumclaw, Washington, Rosalynn was the daughter of Roy Baum Craig Jr. and Geraldine Hazel Dahl Craig. She is remembered for her generous spirit, unwavering faith, and profound love for her family and community.
Preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Craig, with whom she shared a beautiful life from May 5, 1962, until his untimely passing on October 27, 1969, and her second husband “the love of her life” Neil Gallagher, whom she married on November 12, 1971 and who passed away on February 24, 2021 shy of their 50th anniversary. Rosalynn also mourned the loss of her beloved daughter, Bobbi Jean Craig Virta, her grandsons, Morrae Craig and Trevor Farnsworth and nephew Andy Schenk.
Rosalynn is survived by her daughter, Dawn Denise (DeeDee) Craig Lawrence (Roger), as well as her son, David Wayne Craig, son Bradley Neil Gallagher (Tara). Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Mikael Virta, Melissa Virta Stoner, Markus Virta, Kevin Lawrence, Tylar Farnsworth, Kurtis Lawrence, Kaiya Craig, Lakota Craig, Aaden Tindol, and Addyson Dreyer. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Pasi Virta, and ten great-grandchildren, brother Roy Baum Craig III, sister Janet Craig Schenk (Leon) and brother-in-law Brian Gallagher (Laurie) along with several nieces and nephews who brought immense joy to her life.
After completing her education at Enumclaw High School, Rosalynn pursued further studies at Western Washington University, eventually becoming the proud owner of her own medical transcription business. Her career was a testament to her dedication and work ethic, which she balanced with her many passions and interests.
Rosalynn was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She spent countless hours knitting prayer shawls for Franciscan Hospice House, providing comfort and solace to those in need. Her love for family gatherings at Beckett Point in Port Townsend and her fondness for boating except for the attempted trip to Alaska and the dreaded Skagit Bay incident, travel enriched her life. One of her most cherished memories was celebrating her 80th birthday in Kauai, Hawaii, a trip gifted to her by her adoring children. Her love for cruising with Neil and their son, Bradley, along with adventurous road trips & Las Vegas trips showcased her zest for life and exploration. While on a trip to Palm Springs in 2022 with DeeDee, Roger and friend Janice Jensen, Rosalynn’s dementia came to light.
A devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church, Rosalynn’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, described perfectly in her favorite saying: “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” Her strong beliefs grounded her, and she often shared her faith with others, serving as a guiding light in her community.
Rosalynn’s vibrant personality made her a social butterfly and a great hostess, drawing friends and family together to celebrate life’s moments. She was not only a keeper of family history, she was known for her typewritten documentations, notes and letters. She was also a generous and giving soul, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met.
A graveside service to honor her life will be held on August 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance. We know that she is free, unburdened from the dementia and pain and is now soaring in peace!
In loving memory of Rosalynn Gay Gallagher, she will be forever missed but never forgotten. Her spirit will live on through the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to inspire future generations.
