Shella Galvin

Shella MaryLyn Janisse Galvin of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away peacefully in her home on November 14th, 2022 surrounded by her 4 children.

Shella was born on June 20, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Leo and Sara Ann (Sally) Janisse.

Shella attended Immaculata High School and graduated in 1955. After high school she went on to work for Ford Motor Company as a secretary.

In 1960 she married James Joseph Galvin, her high school sweetheart from Catholic Central High School. Together they had 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

After living in several states (Michigan, Texas and Kentucky) they relocated to Gallatin, Tennessee where they lived for 40+ years.

Shella and Jim were active members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Shella was a founding member of The Legion of Mary and continued that ministry until her illness. She was a minister to the elderly and sick for many years, bringing them Communion and spreading her joy to them once a week. She was also involved with Meals on Wheels bringing food to the homebound.

The most important things in Shella’s life were her devotion to her faith, her family and her friends. “FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS” was her motto.

To know Shella was to love Shella. As unique as her name was, so also was her personality. She lit up a room with her spirit, her love, and her compassion. She was truly everyone’s BEST FRIEND!

Shella is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jim Galvin. She is survived by her children, Lynn (Jim) Odell, James (Kathy) Galvin, Timothy (Tracie) Galvin, and Lori (Mike) Martini. Shella has 14 grandchildren, Jimmy Odell, Erin (Dan) Bade, Katie (Will) Aiken, Jenna (Alex) Nelson, Jamie Galvin, Pamela (Joe) Wegenka, Timmy Galvin, Amie (Matthew) Tewell, Sarah Galvin, Matthew Galvin, Michael Martini, Maria Martini, Nick Martini and Ella Martini. In addition, Shella has 7 great-grandchildren, Annabelle Bade, Caroline Bade, Ava Galvin, Charlie Wegenka, Olivia Wegenka, Emma Tewell and Jack Tewell. She is also survived by her brother, Edward (Rose) Janisee and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 from 9:30-11:00 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with her funeral mass beginning at 11:00. There will be a burial to follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens at 1:30.

The family asks that those wishing to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, Tennessee or to Catholic Charities of Nashville in Shella’s name.