Jean Gallagher Welch

Jean Marie Gallagher Welch, 92, lifelong resident of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at her home on Cayuga Lake on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. She was born in Ithaca on December 19, 1923, daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Meany Gallagher. She was very proud of her 100% Irish heritage and of being a third generation Ithacan.

Jean was a member of the Ithaca High School Class of 1941 and the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Class of 1946. She had remained active as reunion planning chair and committee member of both her Ithaca High class and her Cornell University class. She was retired from her family business, Gallagher's Restaurant, and had also been a real estate salesperson.

Jean had been very active over the years as a breeder and trainer of purebred dogs. She was a life member, officer and board member of both the Ithaca Dog Training Club, where she was also an instructor and the Finger Lakes Kennel Club. She was a recipient of the Gaines Medal for Good Sportsmanship from the Finger Lakes Kennel Club. She had been a member of the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America, Women's Club of Ithaca and the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Jean is survived by her children, Patricia A. Welch, Michael F. (Robin B.) Welch, Kathleen Besemer and Frank B. Welch; her grandchildren, Heather Besemer, Benjamin Besemer (Sarah), Erin Welch Baker (Ryan), Brian Welch and Daniel Besemer and her great grandchildren, Keaton Besemer Silverstein, Ella and Beau Besemer and Matthew Baker. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Jean was also predeceased by her brother, Anthony F. Gallagher Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy G. Clines and Robert J. Clines, Sr.; her daughter-in-law, Terry Terpening Welch and her nephews, Casey Anthony Clines and R. James Clines, Jr.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Augustine Chumo on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bangs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Sunday, August 21, 2016 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Monday, August 22, 2016 10:30 AM

Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850