Elise Gallas

Elise Gallas, 92, a resident of the Bridges of Bent Creek, Mechanicsburg, formerly of Newburg and Enola, died on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

She was born on April 28, 1921, in Nordhalben, Germany, a daughter of the late Martin and Barbara Wachter Kuebrich. Elise arrived in the United States at Ellis Island aboard the S.S. Washington on March 5, 1948 and married Mr. John Gallas, Jr. later that month in Chambersburg. Elise was a “World War II Bride” whom John met while he was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in her home town. She became a U.S. citizen in the mid-sixties.

While still in Germany, Elise was employed at a cigar factory rolling cigars. After coming to the United States, she and John started their family and Elise became a homemaker.

She was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Enola, and was very active volunteering for many church activities and functions. She also liked to attend the Enola Senior Center.

Elise is survived by her four sons, Randolph W. (Ann) Gallas of Dayton, OH, John M. (Vickie) Gallas of Mechanicsburg, James R. (Maxine) Gallas of Pasadena, CA, and Thomas J. (Veronica) Gallas of Sauk City, WI; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one sister, Maria Wachter.

In addition to her parents, Elise was preceded in death by her husband, John Gallas, Jr., who died on December 16, 1996; three brothers; one sister; and one great grandson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Enola. Father Michael J. Grab will officiate. We will reconvene for interment, at 2:30 p.m., in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Shippensburg. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday, at church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 225 Salt Road Enola, PA 17025.