Gerrie Gallawa was born on October 3, 1918 in Brockton Massachusetts to Carl and Mabel Burrell. She was the youngest of 3 children. She had a brother, Winston and a Sister, Madelyn (“Midge”), both of whom are deceased. Winston was a professional jazz and classical pianist. Midge and Gerrie won numerous talent contests singing harmony duets, accompanying themselves on their ukuleles. Gerrie’s father was a composer and piano tuner by trade. Her grandfather, Professor William Franklin Burrell, is listed as one of the fifty great American composers. Interestingly, according to reliable historical sources, the Burrells are direct descendents of the Mayflower’s John Alden – Pricilla Mullins union.

Gerrie was blessed with a marvelous singing ability. Before joining the US Coast Guard in 1943, she sang professionally with big bands around the New England area. While in the Coast Guard, she sang in various USO shows with many well-known artists including boxing champion Jack Dempsey, who was a Coast Guard officer, cowboy star Gene Autry, and comedian Frank Fontaine. There was talk of a career on Broadway, but she gave it all up for the love of her life—a Nebraska farm boy named Jacob.

It was at a Naval Radio School in the early spring of 1943 where Gerrie set her sights on her handsome instructor, Jacob Gallawa. As he would later recall, “She sure was cute! She had a little smile that suggested she loved life… She was extremely popular with her classmates… there seemed to be a positive chemistry between us.” On October 18, 1943, they embarked on a lifetime of a beautiful relationship.

In 1948 Gerrie gave birth to her first son, John; then in 1950 she gave birth to Scott. In the wonderful years to follow, her little family got to travel and live all over the world as Jacob was stationed in many exotic and faraway places. Once, Gerrie had to take her two boys on a trip of over 10,000 miles over land and sea to meet her “Jay” who was waiting for them in Okinawa.

In the 1980’s Gerrie, who was now known as “Grammy,” studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses; and on July 28, 1984 came the happiest day of her life when both she and her eldest grandson were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses. She has served as a sterling example of faith ever since. Her favorite Scripture is cited on the front of this program.

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, our dear Grammy fell asleep in death. She was 92 years of age. She closed her eyes, but only temporarily, with the firm conviction that Jehovah God, who cannot lie, will soon raise her back to life under the righteous rule of his Kingdom, which will make the earth a beautiful paradise where no one will ever get sick or have to die again. — Rev. 21:4

Sister Gallawa made a good name with God. She is now in the safest place in the universe—in Jehovah God's unlimited memory, sleeping safely in the memorial tomb until the time when she hears the voice of God's Son, Jesus Christ calling her back to life. "...the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life...'' — John 5:28,29

Grammy has been described as a "gem in the sand." She had more life than most. She loved living and laughter and when you were with her, you laughed a lot. She loved to sing and she passed the gift of music on to all of her descendants. Grammy was truly a larger than life figure, beautiful in every way, and the happiness and joy she brought to all of those whose lives she touched will survive her and be her everlasting memorial. If ever someone needed cheering up, she was there, bearing one of her trademark Bluebirds of Happiness, offering encouraging words in her sassy Brockton accent, all the while healing with her smile. She is the standard to which those whom she touched aspire—as a parent, a spouse, or a friend. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Grammy will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband and best friend of more than 67 years, Jacob; her two sons, John and Scott; her daughter-in-law, Leona; her grandson, Kelly; her two great grandsons, Jullian (and his mom, Mandy) and Jacob (Kelly's son); along with nieces, nephews cousins and a large crowd of dear friends and extended family.

We invite you to view and sign Grammy's Guest Book

Jacob & Geri Gallawa
("Grampy & Grammy")

"A lifetime of a beautiful relationship"

More pictures coming soon...

Contact Us

Microtech | Guide to Basement Waterproofing