Lola Gallagher

Lola Gallagher, native Nevadan, greatest Mom, aunt and friend, was a woman known for her love of her family, her husband, Hugh, and her children; her devotion to her faith, family and friends and her love of Virginia City. To Lola, the greatest part about being from Virginia City was that you could always count on your neighbor and your family and, most years, you could count on a State Championship!

Lola left this earth on June 16, 2008 protected by her son, Hugh. She had been surrounded by family recounting their love for her and her love for them.

Born Lola Mae McCarthy, September 17, 1921, Lola was the daughter of Jack and 'Oddie' McCarthy. She attended St. Albert's Catholic School in Reno. After her father sought work in the mines of the Comstock, Lola's family moved to Virginia City where she met the love of her life, Hugh Gallagher. At the historic Fourth Ward School in Virginia City both Hugh and Lola graduated after participating in plays, athletics, and completing the full course of study.

After high school, Lola attended and graduated from the Reno College of Business. She and Hugh eventually married and she worked to support the war effort as Hugh served in the Army during World War II.

After the War, Hugh and Lola returned to Virginia City. There they built a life, a family, and a legacy that exists to this day. Lola and Hugh worked together to foster education and athletics for the children of the Comstock and that special sense of community that comes from living 'on the Hill'. Lola contributed to everything that was Virginia City; be it the Virginia City PTA, the Virginia City Alumni Association, St. Mary's Altar Society, the Fireman's Christmas Party, the preservation of the Fourth Ward School or the building of the town swimming pool. Whenever someone was needed, Lola answered the call. Throughout her life, Lola never missed a birthday or an anniversary for anyone in her family. Her love is and has always been everlasting. Lola left her family home of 40 years in June of 2007 to live with her children. As she left the wrap around porch that had been the site of so many wonderful visits over the years and her special view of Sugar Loaf Mountain, this was the first time there was no Gallagher living on the Comstock since 1860. No Gallaghers remain but the love and loyalty that was Lola Gallagher continue in her family who still reside there.