Helen Hurkala Gallagher

Helen Hurkala Gallagher beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 97.

Born in 1928 in a small coal town in Central Pennsylvania, Helen and her sister Josie were orphaned at an early age and lovingly cared for by neighbors who became family. When asked what it was like living through the Great Depression, Helen once replied, “We were so poor, we really didn’t notice the difference!”

In the 1950s, Helen and her sisters moved to Philadelphia in search of opportunity. There she met the love of her life, Bob, whom she married in 1957. Together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and unconditional love welcoming eight children in nine years. Her cheerful “You kids!” call was the soundtrack of a happy, bustling household.

Helen and Bob’s home was a gathering place where everyone was welcome and where there was always room for one more at the table. Her Catholic faith and optimism carried her through life’s joys and sorrows, including the loss of her infant son, Shawn, and her husband Bob when she was 55.

When Bob’s health declined, Helen worked at the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company and later devoted herself to her growing family. With each new grandchild, she arrived with suitcase in hand to help, comfort, and bring laughter. She traveled across the country to spend time with her children and their families.

A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jenkintown, Helen could often be seen walking up to daily Mass and helping to prepare for services. She served as a liturgical minister and joined her faith community in the meditative practice of Rosary prayer, finding joy and connection in shared devotion and friendship. Her life reflected her guiding phrase, “Let go and let God.”

She is survived by her children Brian (Jude), Joseph (Anne), Terrance (Audrey), Maryann (Blake), Francis (D’Laine), John, and Roberta; 15 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Helen was a beacon of light whose faith, humor, and love will continue to guide those she leaves behind.

She has been cremated, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 604 West Avenue, Jenkintown, PA on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 9:00am prior to the service. 

Livestream available for the funeral mass: https://www.youtube.com/live/aPzjb5SQYH4?si=YxPOWyLTOsgXSz43 The live stream link is also on the church website: https://www.iccjenkintown.org/ 

Interment will be Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:00am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W Cheltenham Ave. Wyncote, PA.

Family and friends are invited to gather in prayer and remembrance of Helen’s remarkable life of faith, laughter, and love shared so freely with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to any her favorite organizations listed below: 

Sister of Saint Joseph Mount Saint Joseph Convent, 9701 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 https://ssjphila.org/contact-us/

Immaculate Conception Church, 604 West Avenue Jenkintown, PA 19046 https://www.iccjenkintown.org/