Cynthia Lu (Dee) Nusser Galish, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2025, at her home in Moon Township, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Born on May 26, 1947, in Elkhart, Kansas, Dee was the cherished daughter of Lester W. Nusser and Cordelia Frances Babb Nusser.
Dee spent her formative years in Elkhart, Kansas, graduating from Elkhart High School in 1965. She pursued higher education at Southwestern College at Winfield, Kansas followed thereafter at Wichita State University at Wichita, Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree at Wichita State University. Her professional journey began with a longstanding career at Pizza Hut Corporation Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, followed by significant contributions at CB Richard Ellis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from where she eventually retired. Her career also took her to Phoenix, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado, after Wichita, KS and prior to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, enriching her life with diverse experiences, as well as meeting Ronald Galish in Denver, Colorado.
Dee was united in marriage to Ronald Galish on October 13, 1990. They built a loving home together in Moon Township, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, which she frequently referred to as her Camelot, until Ronald preceded her in death. Dee found joy in decorating their home, particularly during Christmas, and took immense pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment.
After retirement, Dee embraced her vibrant social life in the Pittsburgh area, actively participating in meetup groups that kept her calendar bustling with movies, bus trips, parties, and celebrations. Dee loved the arts and enjoyed plays, musicals, orchestras and singing in church choirs. She was known for her ability to forge deep connections with her neighbors and cherished the support and friendships she cultivated. Her nail appointments were more than routine, they were cherished moments with her favorite nail tech. In her later years, she enjoyed the companionship of her friend Tony and always looked forward to making plans.
Travel was a passion for Dee and Ron, as they delighted in exploring new destinations, especially islands, Europe, and various locations across the United States. In later years, she cherished her visits to Texas, where she enjoyed a special connection with her only brother, John. These visits were filled with joy as she decorated cookies, shared her best tips for decorating gingerbread houses with the kids, and watched her family play cards, humorously admitting she was no good at math. Her great-nieces and nephews brought her great joy and entertainment.
Dee is preceded in death by her parents, Frances Babb Nusser and Lester Wesley Nusser, as well as her husband, Ronald Galish. She is survived by her brother John F. Nusser and his wife Karen; nieces Diana Swiatkowski and her husband Dave, and Denise Bruckerhoff and her husband Jeff. Dee also leaves behind her great nieces and nephews, Evan Swiatkowski, Mya Swiatkowski, Brick Bruckerhoff, and Blayke Bruckerhoff. She is also survived by a number of special cousins and by special friends and neighbors in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.
Dee’s warmth, kindness, and zest for life touched all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever cherish the love and joy she brought into their lives. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Garnand Funeral Chapel, 514 Kansas Avenue, Elkahart, Kansas 67950. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Whistlestop Park in care of Garnand Funeral Chapel. Dee will be laid to rest immediately following in the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas.