Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Susan Forbes Gallahan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Susan passed away on July 20, 2023 in Bethesda, MD. She was 63.

Born on October 27, 1959 in Massapequa Park, NY, Susan was the youngest of four children born to Carol and Tim Forbes. Susan is preceded in death by her mother and father, her beloved daughter Laura Gallahan, her dearest husband William “Mike” Gallahan, and sisters-in-law Kathy Canoles and Sharon Gallahan. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Gallahan and partner Andrea, granddaughter Nova Norton, sister Peggy Shade, sister-in-law Kelley Corbin and husband Country, sister-in-law Colleen Bird and husband Jim, sister-in law Pam Gallahan, brother-in-laws Danny Gallahan and Sam Gallahan, lifelong friend Donna Denison, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved so very much.

During Susan's adolescence, the family relocated from New York to southern Maryland, where she later met the love of her life, Mike Gallahan, and they married in 1978. In 1981, they had their first child, Jennifer, and in 1984, welcomed their second daughter, Laura Beth. The happiest years of Susan’s life were spent side-by-side working with Mike in their bakery at Cherry Hill Farm, where they touched the lives of countless people through their gift of delicious sweet treats. She loved being a part of the large family farm, and all of the events and special memories that were shared with the community. 

Susan’s greatest joy came from being a mother to her two children, Jennifer and Laura. She always encouraged her girls to live life to the fullest, and instilled in them values of hard work, perseverance and empathy. Her love for her children, and later her granddaughter Nova, was boundless and unconditional, and she took great pride in witnessing her girls grow and thrive, and come into their own. 

Susan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1999, and she fought valiantly against the debilitating effects of this disease for nearly 25 years. She faced her condition with unwavering determination, and despite the physical challenges she experienced daily, she never let MS define her or limit her indomitable spirit. Her remarkable resilience and her courage, despite all the very difficult odds, made her an inspiration to those who knew her.

She had an insatiable curiosity and a genuine interest in others, and we will miss her constant string of questions, quest for knowledge, and how she never judged anyone despite her incredible interrogation skills. Some may even argue she missed her real career calling as an investigative journalist. 

Susan will forever be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of compassion, bravery, and resilience will endure through the countless lives she touched. While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

The family would love to hear your special memories and thoughts of Susan, and we invite you to please leave these messages on her tribute wall. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to come. 

Susan Forbes Gallahan

Susan Forbes Gallahan

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