Mary Gallo Baker, 82, of Richmond, died July 20, 2022. She was born July 20, 1940 to Joseph "Dune" and Sivella Carrier Gallo in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Mary or Dean, depending on how you knew her, attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Plaisance and continued to be active at St. Joseph Church in Richmond until it closed. She then joined St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church where she served as both Eucharistic and Hospitality Minister. Mary helped in the church when and wherever she was needed. She remained a faithful member at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church until her death.

Mary graduated from Plaisance High School, where she was a point guard on the basketball team. From an early age, Mary knew she would be a Beautician. In February 1967, Mary graduated from Apex School of Beauty Culture and Hairdressing and began working at Florence Beauty Salon in Richmond. Later, she opened her salon, Ebony Hair Fashions, where she worked for 30 years until closing her shop in 2007. She then joined LaPaonne Salon, owned by Francine Coy. Francine was Mary's very first shampoo girl at Ebony Hair Fashions. She also was the hair stylist for almost 20 years at Scott's Funeral Home.

For over 55 years, Mary served multiple generations of clients whom she loved deeply and they all loved her. Over those years, she mentored many shampoo girls and other stylists who worked with her.

In addition to her parents, Mary was also preceded in death by her siblings, Rodney, Allen, Kenneth and Lonnie Gallo, Mattie G. "BoBo", Mildred G. Espree and Florence G. Barnes.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Kevin B. Baker (Debra); grandsons, Devin Marke' Baker (Lysandra) and Mujahid Aziz Baker (Rebecca); granddaughter, MoNiko Coleman (Jasmonn); great grandchildren; Dyson Coleman, Josiah Baker, Destiny Baker, Malayna Baker, Amina Baker, Ariana Baker and Asia Baker; siblings, Joseph Gallo, Jr. (Geraldine), Keith Gallo, Sheila Teznno and Jackie Elliot (Steve); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022. Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 2712 "2nd" Avenue. Father James Arsenault officiating. Interment private.