Hundreds recognize sister’s dedication

Stefanie Frith

Nine-year-old Wesley Baker of Newport Beach really likes Sister Joanne

Clare Gallagher, the co-principal at his school, Our Lady Queen of

Angels.

“She’s really, really nice. And she gives us lots of holidays,” he

said.

At Gallagher’s 50th Jubilee Celebration Sunday at the church, the

hundreds that attended couldn’t say enough kind words about Gallagher,

who was also celebrating her 68th birthday. Dressed in a blue suit with a

white flower pin on the lapel that matched her curly white hair,

Gallagher was swarmed with gifts and hugs and shouts of “congratulations”

throughout the reception that took place after mass.

“She’s everybody’s favorite,” said Betty Storch, who has known

Gallagher for about 30 years. “She really gets involved with the families

and she is not just a principal at a desk, but a principal in her heart

as well.”

Gallagher has been in education for 47 years and a principal for 31 --

16 at Our Lady Queen of Angels School. She joined religious life 50 years

ago with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles after

growing up in Oakland.

She received her calling about the time she started sixth grade with

the inspiration of the her teachers -- Sisters of St. Joseph -- and her

parents, who had a deep Roman Catholic faith.

“It seems like it all happened yesterday,” said Gallagher as she

paused for photographs with former students and laughed about how old it

made her feel. “It was a call that I had. A seed was planted within me

and bloomed instantly. It’s just so wonderful to see all these people

here today.”

Monsignor Bill McLaughlin said that it has been a pleasure to work

with Gallagher over the last few years.

“She is wonderful and precious and a dedicated religious person,” he

said as he walked toward the reception hall, adorned with pink and white

balloons. “She has really brought the parish and school together.”

Leonard and Margaret Burke, who live next door to Gallagher, said she

definitely works long hours, and they had to make sure to come to the

jubilee and say hello.

“She is so friendly and well liked in our neighborhood and here at the

church,” said Margaret Burke, who has been attending Our Lady Queen of

Angels for about 32 years. “It’s amazing how she deals with the parents

and children.”

“She also drives the fastest car on the street,” Leonard Burke added

laughing.