British Columbia Obituary – On March 20, 2025, Della Gallagher, beloved mother of Montreal Canadiens alternate captain Brendan Gallagher, tragically passed away after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The passing of Della, after a year-long fight with the disease, has left her family, friends, and the broader hockey community mourning the loss of a kind and loving woman whose strength and love were felt by everyone around her.
Della Gallagher, who had been a constant presence in her son Brendan’s life, was a source of unwavering support and encouragement. Her legacy lives on through the memories shared by those who loved her and, especially, through Brendan’s heartfelt tribute to her. Her passing comes as a devastating blow to her family, but her impact, especially on her son, will continue to resonate in their lives.
Della Gallagher British Columbia Death, Obituary: Beloved Mother Of Montreal Canadiens Alternate Captain Brendan Gallagher Has Died
Brendan Gallagher, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, shared the heartbreaking news of his mother’s death on his Instagram account, where he poured his heart out in an emotional tribute. The post featured a carousel of pictures showing Brendan and Della in some of their most treasured moments, capturing the deep bond between mother and son.
In the caption, Brendan wrote: “The best mom we could have had! Grateful for all the amazing memories we have. I will cherish them and remember them always.”
He continued:
“Not a day will go by I won’t want to pick up the phone and call you, or give you a big hug and tell you I love you. But we will all charge on with everything you taught us making you proud every single day.” “Rest in peace mom, I love you. I miss you. Forever the best mom.”
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The words left behind by Brendan are a testament to the immense love and respect he had for his mother. As an athlete in the demanding world of professional sports, Brendan Gallagher’s relationship with his mother was an anchor in his life, offering him comfort during moments of personal struggle. The emotional pain of losing a parent, particularly one as influential as Della, is undeniable, and Brendan’s tribute shows just how deeply he will miss his mother.
Della Gallagher’s battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and often terminal form of brain cancer, had been public since 2024. Brendan’s sister, Bree, launched a fundraiser to support their mother’s medical expenses and to help other families facing similar challenges. The announcement of Della’s diagnosis was met with an outpouring of support from fans, friends, and the hockey community, all of whom were familiar with the Gallagher family’s close bond.
Glioblastoma is a devastating diagnosis, often with a poor prognosis, and it is especially cruel in its swift progression. Della fought bravely through her illness, showing incredible strength despite the debilitating toll it took on her body. The courage she displayed in her battle against cancer was a reflection of her character: a woman who faced adversity with grace and determination, teaching her family, and especially her son Brendan, the true meaning of resilience.
For Brendan, the emotional toll of his mother’s illness was deeply personal. In interviews last year, he openly shared the challenges he faced in balancing his career with caring for his family during such a difficult time. The emotional weight of watching his mother suffer and not being able to be with her constantly affected his performance on the ice. Yet, he found strength through the support of his wife, Emma Fortin, who helped him navigate through those tough times, especially when he was away from home.
Throughout this difficult period, Brendan Gallagher leaned heavily on his family and his wife, Emma Fortin, for support. Emma, who had been with Brendan since 2021, provided a foundation of emotional stability that allowed Brendan to cope with the heartbreaking reality of his mother’s condition. As an athlete whose career demands constant travel and focus, the challenge of being away from family during such a personal crisis was overwhelming, but Emma’s presence in his life helped him stay grounded.
In 2024, as his mother’s health continued to decline, Brendan shared the emotional strain it caused him, admitting that the first year of dealing with her illness was especially hard. Despite the emotional toll it took, he found solace in being able to talk with Emma, who stood by him through every step of this journey.
Emma’s support also played a vital role in another joyful chapter of the Gallagher family’s life. Earlier this month, Brendan and Emma welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Everly Mona Della Gallagher. The middle names were chosen to honor both of their mothers. While this new addition to their family brought joy, it also served as a bittersweet reminder of Della’s passing, as Everly will never get to meet her grandmother in this life.
While Della Gallagher’s life was cut short by cancer, her legacy will continue to live on through her children, her grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched. Brendan’s tribute to his mother reflects the impact she had on him and his family. Della’s ability to nurture, love, and support her family through thick and thin was a testament to her character, and those who knew her will forever remember her for her warmth, kindness, and the love she gave so freely.
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Brendan Gallagher’s devotion to his mother was not just evident in the public tributes he has shared, but also in the way he lived his life. The lessons Della imparted to her children, especially Brendan, will continue to guide him. The values of love, dedication, and resilience that she instilled in him are qualities he now carries forward in his own family life, as he and Emma begin their journey as parents.
The news of Della Gallagher’s passing has left a somber mark on the Montreal Canadiens community, where Brendan is a well-respected and beloved figure. Teammates, fans, and colleagues have all expressed their condolences and support for Brendan during this challenging time. As an integral part of the Canadiens for many years, Brendan’s personal loss is felt by many who have followed his career and admired his dedication to the game.
The outpouring of love and support from the hockey world reflects the tight-knit nature of the community, and it speaks to the deep respect that Brendan and his family command. It is a reminder that, while hockey is a sport that brings people together, it is the personal relationships and the people we love that truly shape our lives.
As Brendan Gallagher and his family begin to navigate the challenging road ahead without Della, they carry with them her love, strength, and teachings. In the wake of her passing, Brendan’s message reflects the bittersweet reality of life: that our loved ones may leave us, but their impact lives on forever in the hearts of those they leave behind.
“Forever the best mom,” Brendan wrote in his final message to his mother, and for him and his family, those words will always ring true. Rest in peace, Della Gallagher, and may your legacy continue to shine brightly in the lives of your children, grandchildren, and all those who had the privilege of knowing you.
