Barbara M. Gallas, 74

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Barbara M. Gallas, of Chestertown, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, in Chestertown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Chestertown. She was 74.

Mrs. Gallas was born on May 30, 1933, in Reading, Pa., daughter of the late Harry J. and Mary Tobias Beaver.

She was raised in Reading and had lived in Annapolis, Denton, the Rehoboth Beach-Lewes, Del., area, Elkton, and for the past six years in Chestertown.

While living in Denton, Mrs.Gallas and her husband owned and operated a restaurant, Jimmy the Greek"s.

In Rehoboth Beach, at the age of 50, she earned her associate"s degree with honors in journalism from Delaware Technical & Community College, where she became an editor for the Beachcomber and writing a column titled "Barb"s Wire."

Mrs. Gallas enjoyed researching her family"s genealogy, sewing and crafts.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Harriett Portelli.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, James X. Gallas; a son, James X. Gallas Jr. of Centreville, Va.; two daughters, Elaine Chollet of West Chester, Pa., and Bebe Shortall and her husband, John, of Still Pond; two grandchildren, Zachary Gallas and Grant Gallas; two step-grandchildren, Chad Shortall and John Shortall Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St., Galena, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.

Memorials may be offered to Chester River Home Care and Hospice, 6602 Church Hill Road, Chestertown, MD 21620.