Leola J. “Lee” Galvin
March 25, 1932 - September 2, 2025
Leola J. “Lee” Galvin, age 93, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Born in Sandstone, MN on March 25, 1932, Lee was the first child of Victor and Katherine (Mortensen) Gjertson. Lee was true to her Scandinavian roots: fiercely independent, creative, resourceful, and an aficionado of the Arts. She completed nursing training at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN and later married Bernard Galvin of Askov, MN, becoming a military officer’s wife in a time when that was a career in itself, steeped in tradition and custom, and vital to the military.
Lee dedicated her life to caring for her family. Wherever the US Army posted them, she always created a nurturing and inviting home. Family camping and beach trips as well as holiday celebrations including family traditions and games were Lee’s favorite times.
Deep in her faith, Lee was a member of St. John-Holy Angels Parish, for whom she served as Chair of the Annual Bazaar for several years. Lee also served as an advocate for long-term care residents as part of the Delaware Ombudsman Program.
A lifelong Girl Scout, Lee lived by the ideals of kindness to others, self-respect, and environmental stewardship. She volunteered countless hours mentoring girls and leaders throughout her over 80 years in Scouting and treasured her friends in the local Alumni group. Additionally, Lee was a member of the Newark Senior Center. Lee enjoyed painting, handwork of all kinds, reading, and making gifts for family and friends.
As the family Matriarch, Lee loved keeping up with her large extended family and many friends through social media and handwritten notes and packages. Lee’s generosity and devotion to family, faith and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard E. Galvin; sister, Barbara Jones; and longtime companions, Bill Green and Ron Eschweiler. She is survived by her children Timothy Galvin (Ellen), Jeanne Galvin (Edward), Pamela Hyde (Douglas), and Michael; brother John Gjertson (Kathy); brother-in-law Patrick Galvin (Karen), 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, September 8, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Church, 200 E. Main Street, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Interment will be held privately in Arlington Cemetery, where Lee will be laid to rest with her husband, Bernard E Galvin, Lt Col, USA/Retired.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee’s memory to the Girl Scouts of the USA, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 5046, New York, NY 10087-5046 or online by clicking here.
Jackie Fredrick
So sorry to hear of Aunt Lee’s passing. She will be missed. Prayers for your families.
Sharon Fitzgerald
I’m so sorry for your loss. May Aunt Lee rest peacefully with the Lord now who has welcomed her home.
Shannon Ward Boie
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. A beautifully written tribute to Lee. Prayers for your family from Minnesota.
Kathy Powers
Prayers for Miss Lee’s family. I always enjoyed our conversations when I knew her at The Summit. Miss Lee was such a strong & determined lady. May God Hold Her in the Palm of His Hand Until You Meet Again.
Barbara Blake
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Mrs. Galvin may have been a petite lady, but she was an enormous influence in my life. May she be at eternal peace with God. She will be greatly missed.
kathleen pedersen
John and I were Lee and Bernie’s neighbors in Newark for many years. We enjoyed knowing them as individuals and we admired them for their family unity, their contributions to the community, and their strength in adversity. I regret that we lost touch in our later years and offer our condolences to their family.
Brian and Darlyn Green Kocher
So sorry to hear about your mama. A great lady I was grateful to have known for sure.
BLESSINGS,
Dar
Nancy Dugan-Logan
Jeanne – my condolences for the loss of your mom. She sure did accomplish a lot in her lifetime.
Blessings, Nancy Dugan-Logan