Diane Marie Sterner Gallagher, age 79, returned to her creator on April 25, 2023, in Tacoma WA. She passed at home with family at her side.

Diane was the joy of everyone whom she met. She was born to Frank and Anna Sterner in July, 1943, in Hutchinson, MN. Her mother passed when she was 4 years old and her stepmother, Fredricka Hagen "Freddy" became her mom. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth MN. Diane served in the Army Nurse Corps (ANC), with the majority of time in Japan during the Viet Nam war. After being honorably discharged, she returned stateside and moved to WA State. She worked at the Seattle VA Hospital, Tacoma General Hospital ICU, Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing and the Cardiac Study Center cardiology practice of Doctors Anderson, Nagle, Strait and Lapin. She established the p atient education / rehab program visiting hospital patients and developed the Device Clinic, following those with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. She married the love of her life, Brendan Gallagher on January 24, 1976. They shared 42 years of happy marriage living in the Browns Point WA community. She retired early to care for Brendan who passed away with Alzheimer's disease in 2018.

Diane had a passion for all things beautiful: herself, her faith, her loving care of Brendan and extended families of nieces and nephews. Colleagues, friends and neighbors relished in her gourmet cooking and exquisite gardens, at home and at the Browns Point Light House Cottage.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings and her husband, Brendan. She has extended family in Ireland and many nieces, and nephews throughout the United States.

Diane wanted to give special thanks to nieces, Mary Stucky and Peggy Borders for their generous and supportive care, especially during the final course of her cancer. Special thanks also to Dr. John VanBuskirk, Medical POA and friend and to Susan K Wenski, neighbor and friend, for their always present kindness in caring for her. Thanks also to Dr. Nicholas Hamill for his compassionate care, the MultiCare medical team, the Providence Nutritional Support team, and the CHI Franciscan Hospice team, especially Cindy RN and Marie, Social Services.

The Vigil is planned for Wednesday, May 17 ^th , at 5:30 PM and the Funeral Mass for Thursday, May 18 ^th , at 12:10 PM at St. Leo Catholic Church, 710 South 13 ^th Street, Tacoma WA.

The funeral will be live streamed from the YouTube channel of stleoparish.org

Following the funeral, a luncheon will be held in Bichsel Hall, across from the church. All are welcome.

Mass and Inurnment in the family cemetery plot is planned for July in Winsted, MN.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed by the Neighborhood Clinic (a free urgent care clinic for the marginalized) where she volunteered for over 20 years. https://NeighborhoodClinicTacoma.org 1323 South Yakima Ave, Tacoma WA 98405-4457