Elizabeth "Gib" A. Galli

Albany - Elizabeth “Gib” Galli, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the age of 96. A beloved and dedicated educator, Gib's life was defined by her passion for teaching and her commitment to enriching the lives of her students and family. A devoted reader and master of grammar, she offered unwavering friendship, encouragement, and guidance to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her greatest joy in life was watching her nephews Mark Davis (Kathryn Davis) of Hilton Head Island, SC, and Matthew Davis of Esperance, NY, grow into parents. She was like a second grandmother to her grand-nephews Matthew, Chris, Jake, and Eric and grand-niece Sarah. Gib was genuinely interested in hearing about everyone’s endeavors and made numerous trips to NJ and Westchester County for family events, graduations, and holidays.  Each summer, Gib would vacation with the family in Surf City, NJ (Long Beach Island), where we enjoyed lobsters and ice cream, swims in the bay, and jumping into the ocean waves.

Gib was born on September 8, 1927 in Teaneck, NJ to Russell Gibson and Elizabeth Wright.  She and her sister, Marjorie Gibson (Davis) who predeceased her, grew up in Hillburn, NY.  Gib attended the State Teachers College at Albany and began her teaching career in Millbrook, NY.   She was briefly married to Gerry Galli, then relocated to Albany in 1967.  She had a distinguished career as an English teacher at Shaker High School, where she taught from 1968 until 1982. Her love for literature and the English language was infectious, inspiring countless students during her tenure. Including NY Times bestselling author, Joseph Finder, who a few years ago sent Gib a copy of his book, “House on Fire”. Enclosed was a personal note, thanking her for being an excellent English teacher and for writing his recommendation letter to Yale.

After leaving the classroom, Gib continued to share her passion for the arts by working with the New York State Theater Institute, where she was a Teacher’s Assistant.  She enjoyed traveling abroad with the Theater group (Moscow 1974; Yugoslavia 1985), up until her retirement in 1990.  Gib also traveled to Italy for the wedding of her godson, William Snyder, at the Vatican.

Elizabeth's life was a testament to the power of education and the arts, love of family, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.  The family will have a private internment ceremony later next month.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.cannonfuneral.com