Mary is often on my mind. My heartfelt condolences go out to Bill, Cathy, Greg, and all the family & friends who are missing her.

I still take weekly tap lessons, and every time I lace up my shoes, I think of Mary. Meeting her years ago in her Tappercize class changed my life—it gave me not only a passion for tap dancing, but a dear friend I’ll always cherish. I think of her often and miss her dearly!

She was a special lady with the brightest smile 💛 Thinking of you all!

We’re so sorry to hear about Ms. Mary’s passing. She was the kindest neighbor with the most beautiful smile. We’ll truly miss her warm presence next door

Sending so much love and condolences to the entire family … I wish I could attend, but I’ll be thinking  of Mary, and all amazing memories.

After spending some time at Carolyn Norris dance studio ; Cathy as my instructor somehow I made it over to Dance Etc. I think Cathy called me to let me know about the new studio. That is where I met Mary. Shortly after within the next year or two, I started teaching the babies under the tutelage of Cathy. Mary always commented how patient I was with them. lol! I was 19 or 20; unmarried, no kiddos of my own.  I spent many years teaching at Dance Etc. I spent many an evening talking with Mary about life and everything under the sun. Mary was an integral part of my life at that time and many years into my future. I received solicited and unsolicited advice:-) All which I ate up.  Mary never ever forgot the day I was 7 months pregnant with twins and she had a tire blow out on the 60 fwy. We had just returned from costume fabric shopping in the Los Angeles garment district. Technically I was supposed to be on bedrest. I wanted to follow through with my dancers and the recital. I was fine, obviously, but Mary never forgot that story and always reminded me. She was so afraid I was going to have those babies right there on the freeway. Even a few months before she passed away, she sent me a letter sending me more motherly advice in my current situation with my family. Mary is loved by many and she is loved by me for all these years.  I never forgot her and obviously she never forgot me. Thank you to Suzanne who contacted me last Christmas after I sent my Christmas card to Mary; I got in contact with her; how precious those few messages we exchanged were. I will treasure my memories, experiences, advice, and life lessons I learned from Mary. I hope you’re opening a grand Dance Studio in heaven! Can not wait to meet again! Rest in peace Mary and say hi to my mom for me! XOXO Miss Vicky

Mary Lou and I are first cousins. Her Mom Helen and my Dad Anthony, were siblings. 

She was ebullient, delightful and simply a force of nature.

We took a trip to Ireland with Cousin Bunny, my sister Meg and my niece Margaret, who was 14 at the time. I have never laughed so much in my life.  We all realized that we grew up in different places, with different life experiences, but we all had the same Gallagher sense of humor.

I loved her very much.  She was a blessing and will be forever missed. 

Michael Gallagher

Mary and I go way back to the early 1970s. I miss her 50+ years of  friendship enormously because wherever I moved or made changes in my own life, Mary remained my best bud and anchor. 

Two of our hundreds of phone calls lasted just over seven hours each! We decided to cut the marathons short after that—to only four hours max. It was so hard for us to say good-bye because we always had just one more anecdote or giggle to report. 

We talked a bit by phone while she was in the hospital as she attempted to give me details in minutes instead of the lively conversations and laughter of the past. I so-appreciated her attempt at that—she tried valiantly, and I was impressed yet again. With customary good humor, she said that the physical therapists were “relentless.”

 I will always miss my buddy. She will be remembered by far more than a few of those people whose lives she touched in her illustrious career and variety of interests in family, friends, education, and the arts. For Mary, it was all about touching the lives of others and giving examples how to do so joyously. She set a fine example to those—and there are many—lucky enough to know her. I miss my buddy—may she rest in  peace.

Mary was a very special part of my dance memories! She and the entire Haller family always made Dance, Etc feel like a home away from home! We moved from the east coast and it was so wonderful to find an amazing dance studio that welcomed me with open arms! Sending prayers to all of the family and Mary, may you rest in peace! 

Dear Haller Family,

If you didn’t know, in 1990 Mary gave me my first dance instructor job a few weeks  after I relocated to California from New Jersey.  The studio became a second family for me. Mary also let me borrow chairs from the dance studio for my wedding ceremony. Mary was so kind and loving and treated me like a daughter. She paid me very well and I’ll always remember her kindness. I pray that God will comfort you during your time of loss. Mary will never be forgotten. May God bless you and dry all your tears.