Elaine (Gallaher) Bish, 76, of New Castle passed away surrounded by family Thursday evening, November 25, 2021, in her residence. Mrs. Bish was born September 11, 1945, in Ellwood City, PA, a daughter of the late Andrew and Marguerite (Taylor) Gallaher. Her husband of 54 years, Dave Bish, whom she married November 11, 1967, survives at home.
A 1963 graduate of Ellwood City Lincoln High School, she also graduated from the former St. Francis School of Nursing, New Castle, earning her RN certification in 1966. Most recently, Elaine was volunteering for Friends of Hospice – Northwest Region, and also served as the organization’s treasurer. For the majority of her nursing career, she worked as a psychiatric nurse at St. Francis Hospital, and later in her career, worked as a home-health nurse.
Elaine was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph the Worker site, where she facilitated the parish bereavement group for several years. An avid reader, Elaine also enjoyed needlework, especially cross-stitch. She also like to travel, particularly to Aruba, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Also surviving are two daughters, Lorine Bish and Tracey Booher (Kevin), all of New Castle; a son, Jim Bish (Jamie), of Portersville; a brother, James Gallaher (Joyce), of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren, David and Alyssa Cumpston, and Hunter and Leah Bish; and great-grandson, Theo Cumpston.
In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by an infant son, David J. Bish, II; and brother, Robert G. Gallaher.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (11-29-21) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday (11-30-21) in Holy Spirit Parish, St. Mary Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Brendan Dawson, as celebrant. Entombment: Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Ellwood City.
Eternal rest grant unto Elaine, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.