Tomi Gallagher

Born: c. 1924

Children: William, Gail, Jill, Ann, Kevin, Robert, Beth

Thomasina Swan Gallagher, called Tommie or Tomi.

Saranac Village at Will Rogers News, Oct./Nov./December 2019

Resident Spotlight: Tomi Gallagher

Tomi Gallagher (pictured with her daughter Gail) has devoted her life to family, music and her beloved community of Saranac Lake, NY. She married Bill Gallagher and that began their 60+ year romance, to which their seven children will attest! After moving to Saranac Lake, their open door policy brought them Fresh Air Students, foreign exchange students, visiting clergy and many new and life-long friends. 'The Gallagher's House' as well as their state camp on Lower Saranac was the hub of activity for their children and their friends and the location for many parties, sleepovers and projects as well as summer activities such as swimming, waterskiing, boating and picnicking.

Tomi was five years old when she began studying classical piano at Academy of Holy Names in Albany and then studied at Juilliard in Manhattan. After moving to Saranac Lake she became a driving force in attracting performing artists to Saranac Lake and has been a popular soloist and accompanist in the area. She has performed at many venues including The Point, Pendragon Theatre, Lake Placid Center for the Arts, has taught in the Saranac Lake School District and was a church pianist and organist for years. Tomi was also instrumental in bringing Title 9 Funds to the school district so that girls could participate more fully in school sports. Tomi and Bill were both very active in community sporting events and were proud to be volunteers for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

At 95, Tomi is the accompanist for the Will Rogers Singers and for other special occasions. Her grand piano, "Lady" given to her by her Mom when she was four, remains her life-long companion and her playing remains a source of joy for all to hear. A beloved member of the community, Tomi was named the Queen of the Winter Carnival in 2006. She is a generous and witty member of any social group and she loves living at Will Rogers. As Tomi would say, "What's not to like?"

On Saturday, October 12, 2019, Tomi and her daughter Gail performed numbers from the Great American Songbook in a well-received concert at Will Rogers.