Rn Mary Lou Gallant

Mary Lou Gallant, RN, 56, of Wakefield, passed away with grace and peace at her home on Tuesday, September 12th, surrounded by love. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late David R. Dillon (Ret. Battalion Chief, PFD) and Helen (O’Neill) Dillon. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, James Gallant (Ret. DAC, PFD), whom she loved unconditionally. She is also survived by her children, whom she dedicated unlimited support, guidance, and love to: James Michael Gallant and his wife Monica, of Richmond, Abigail O’Neill Gallant, and Matthew Thomas Gallant (PFD), both of Providence. She also leaves her loving siblings, including Michael Dillon (Ret. ACOD, PFD) of West Greenwich, David Dillon of Providence, Thomas Dillon of Charlottesville VA, Christopher Dillon of Cranston, and Joseph Dillon (Capt., PFD) of Johnston; and a dear sister, Patricia Doyle of Cranston. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends, who she considered family, along with her beloved cats, Billie and Lola. She was the mother of the late Catherine Marie Gallant and sister of the late James Dillon (Capt., Miramar FD) and Jackie Dillon. Mary Lou’s compassionate and kind spirit led her to a career of nursing. She was an RN at Fatima Hospital, followed by South County Hospital, where she was awarded the 2015 Patient Safety Champion of the Year award. A friend to all, Mary Lou always had time to listen, never left anyone out, and encouraged the best in everyone. She was forever generous with her time and made everyone feel loved and appreciated. She was a volunteer at The Johnnycake Center, ReFocus 1228 Community Center, and was always available to field many nursing calls from family and friends. She was a woman of strong faith and was a communicant of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish. She was devoted to starting each day in prayer and gratitude. Mary Lou saw beauty in everything. She reveled in the simple joys of life; she especially treasured time spent with family, adventures in traveling, constant laughter, enjoying the beach, being pampered, spoiling her cats, and always taking the scenic route. Mary Lou would like to thank her care team at Massachusetts General Hospital, Hope Hospice, and everyone else who has supported her through the years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Saturday, September 16th in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Peace Dale. Visiting hours are at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, on Friday September 15th from 4pm-8pm. Memorial donations may be made to ReFocus, 45 Greeley Street, Providence, RI 02904.