Eva Georgina Gallagher

Eva Gallagher died suddenly on April 26, 2026, at the age of 80.  A long-time resident of Deep River and a dedicated pottery artist, Eva was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Magdalena Vlasak.

Eva was born in Prague, in the (former) Czechoslovakia, on April 24, 1946—St. George’s Day.  She immigrated with her family to Montreal, Quebec, where she grew up and later attended McGill University on a full scholarship, graduating with a BSc in zoology and botany/biology.  As a summer student at AECL, on a bus, and carrying a dead turtle, she met her soon-to-be husband, Dave Gallagher.  They married in 1967 and together they built their lives in Deep River for close to 60 years.

Eva was a talented potter and horticulturist. Although Eva was part of and published numerous articles with the North American Rock Garden Society and the Horticultural Society, and her pottery was exhibited in art shows across Ontario, Eva was most proud of her membership in the Deep River Potters' Guild, where she served as an active member, teacher, and mentor to a community of Ottawa Valley artists and budding artisans for over 50 years.  Eva led an inspired life through the people she met in the Ottawa Valley co-op, the online horticultural and rock gardening community, her pottery communities, and especially through her dear friends from the guild and art communities.  Eva was curious about everything – her interests were infinite.   When she wasn’t rock gardening or at the potter's guild, she was likely finding a joke to send to her cherished grandson, Monty, who gave her so much love and laughter.

Eva will be deeply missed by her husband, Dave; her son, Christopher (Ashley); her daughter, Tara (Andrew); her brother, John Vlasak; her niece, Kim; and her nephews and niece, Roger, Don, and Sandra, as well as by her extended guild family.

In lieu of flowers, Eva would have encouraged you to make time to create art, sing a song, walk among the trees, or do a little more than yesterday to support the fight against climate change.  The family extends heartfelt thanks to the amazing team at the Ottawa Heart Institute for their kindness and care.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 am in the Deep River Community Church followed by refreshments at the Christian Education Centre. 

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