Susanne Giesla Gallaghan

Susanne Giesela Gallaghan passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 after a relatively brief illness and subsequent hospitalization.  She was born on March, 26th, 1961 in Germany and adopted by Ben and Estelle Emmett at the age of two.  When she was five years old, her family brought her to New Mexico, where her Father, Ben Emmett, was born and raised. 

She grew up in Cedar Crest, NM with her older brother Andrew.  She spent her summers hiking in the mountains around her childhood home with her friends and learning how to make her way in the world on her own through the love and support of her family.  After graduating from Monzano High School, Susanne moved to California with a longtime friend and her family.  After some time, she then moved to Montana.  She enjoyed her time traveling, but ultimately decided to return home and focus on her future.  She attended the then named TVI and took classes on accounting.  At the age of 21 she welcomed her first child, Brandie into the world.  As a single mother she continued taking classes, working full time and caring for her beloved baby.  Shortly after she met Michael Gallaghan and they were married on April 29th, 1984.  They welcomed their second child Jaimi into the world shortly thereafter.

Susanne was a dedicated and loving mother to her two daughters.  She taught them how to be strong and independent, but more importantly how to be good human beings.  Her work ethic was beyond compare and she always put her family first.  Though she was the first to point out her flaws, she never stopped trying her best to constantly become the best version of herself.  She was funny and loving to all who got the opportunity to know her.  She will be sorely missed by her remaining family and her friends.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Ben and Estelle Emmett and her husband of 36 years, Michael L. Gallaghan.  She leaves behind her brother, Andrew Emmett, daughters Brandie Maes and Jaimi Sanchez, Son-in-Law Miguel Sanchez, and grandchildren Allyson Sanchez, Kevin Sanchez and Quentin Maes.  

Her Family plans to hold a tree planting Ceremony in the Spring, but will have a limited memorial Saturday, December 5th, 2020, for details please reach out to the family at jlgsanchez19@yahoo.com or branim.maes@gmail.com.