Linda Gallagher (nee Bramlett), long-time resident of Blacksburg, passed away in her home on Sept. 18 at the age of 81. Linda was born and raised in Nassau County, N.Y., the daughter of Melvin Bramlett and Alice (Bramlett) Harris.
As a young girl she enjoyed reading books, especially Nancy Drew, and visiting with family in Alabama. She graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School. Linda had a long career as an administrative assistant, first on Long Island and eventually in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she worked at Virginia Tech for many years. While in New York, Linda met Thomas B. Gallagher, her husband of 41 years. Linda and Tom were wed in West Palm Beach, Florida and ultimately settled in Blacksburg where they proudly raised their two children, Tommy and Lisa. Linda maintained her longstanding love of reading (still mysteries and especially the newspapers). She enjoyed Chinese food, doing puzzles and word games and especially a cup of tea. She treasured visits from her family and going out to meals with friends. Linda had a lifelong love for her many adopted pets. Her devotion to them was ardent and unbounded. She was passionately dedicated to their care, wellbeing and happiness.
Indeed, Linda firmly believed that not having a cozy pet-dedicated space on her furniture would have bordered on cruel mistreatment. Daily 12 o’clock “cookie treats” time was practiced with strict punctuality and regularity. She was also a keen supporter of animal welfare, regularly donating to shelters and advocating for sidewalks, speed bumps and a roundabout in her neighborhood to ensure a safe environment for pets (and neighbors) to take walks. Linda’s great joy was her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Thomas Bernard Gallagher, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Barbara Gallagher; daughter, Lisa Gallagher Tuleya; son-in-law, Robert Tuleya; and four beloved grandsons, Ryan, Michael, Finn and Aidan. She is additionally survived by her sister, Jane Starosta, and several loved nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Linda is also survived by her beloved dog and cat, Rosie and Toby. A graveside funeral service was conducted Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 in the Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley. The family received friends prior to the service at McCoy Funeral Home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider donating to the ASPCA or Humane World for Animals.
