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Helen Verna “Mitzi” Gallo, 94, passed away Monday, May 23, 2022, at The Village at Woods Edge in Franklin, Virginia, with her children by her side.

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on May 28, 1927, Mitzi was a daughter of the late Thomas V. Harris and Helen M. Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis “Buck” Gallo, her brother, Thomas G. Harris, and her sister, Nancy J. Ryan.

After graduating from high school in Tacoma, Washington, Mitzi worked as a secretary until her children were born. She then became the ultimate stay-at-home Mom: cooking, cleaning, sewing, chauffeuring, cheering, nurturing dreams and drying tears. After moving to Virginia in 1974, Mitzi returned to clerical work where she met and married Buck. They traveled the country together as they finished out their careers in the construction industry.

Mitzi and Buck retired to North Fort Myers, Florida in 1984 to relax and play golf as long as humanly possible.  After his death in 2018, she agreed to leave her tropical paradise and move back to Franklin, within arm’s reach of her children again.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Derby and husband Charles; her son, Richard Jones and wife Lori; and her granddaughter, Madison Jones, all of Newsoms, Virginia. She also leaves behind her beloved “little monster”, Tigger.

The family would like to thank all of The Village staff and residents for their unbelievable support, care, and friendship. Another special thank you to the Southampton Memorial Hospital 2nd floor nurses and aides, and the Kindred Hospice nurses and aides. Your guidance and compassion is greatly appreciated.

No services will be held, but the family suggests that memorial donations be made to your local animal shelter.