Cecelia Lynett Haggerty passed away Oct. 5, 2024 at her home at 1524 Adams Ave., Dunmore, surrounded by her children, their spouses and her 28 grandchildren. She was the widow of Atty. James J. Haggerty, who passed away in 2011. They were married for close to 45 years at the time of his death.
Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Edward J. and Jean O’Hara Lynett, she was a graduate of Marywood Seminary and Trinity College, Washington, D.C., where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was employed as a staff writer for the Associated Press in Philadelphia and The Scranton Times.
A member of St. Paul’s Parish, Green Ridge, she was active in the United Way of Lackawanna County, and held memberships in the Sant’ Andrea Society, the Pennsylvania Association of Lawyers’ Wives and St. Joseph’s Children and Maternity Hospital’s Auxiliary, and the Parents’ Club at Scranton Prep. She also served on the board of trustees of the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Scranton.
In 2012, she and her brothers were awarded the President’s Medal from the University of Scranton’s President’s Business Council and in 2018 she was awarded an honorary degree for her service to the university.
The Book of Sirach teaches us that, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he that has found one has found a treasure.” Our mother was a treasure to all of us and to so many people who came to know her and became her friend.
Whether you were from Northern Ireland, the Bronx New York, Milwaukee Wisconsin or the Green Ridge section of Scranton, you were welcome in her home, and you felt it. She had a way of making you feel like you were a part of her family.
She had countless friends and her greatest friends in this world were Rita Meyer, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Catherine Beyda who she met as freshmen at Trinity College. They were the sisters she never had, and they remained best friends for more than 65 years. She cared deeply about her family, her friends and her community. Her circle of friends in Scranton brought her endless joy and were faithful until her last days.
She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at Elk Lake and 17th Street in Avalon, New Jersey. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of her grandchildren because of what she created for them.
Surviving are seven children, Jean McGrath and husband, Christopher, Dunmore; Mauri Collins and husband, Joseph, Scranton; James Jr. and his wife, Wendy, Scranton; Matthew and wife, Christina, Scranton; Cecelia O’Rourke and her husband, James, Summit, N.J.; Daniel and his wife, Meghan, Scranton; and Kathleen James and her husband, Brian, Dunmore; her brothers, Edward Lynett and his wife, Lynda, Clarks Summit; George Lynett and his wife, Patricia, Scranton; and William Lynett and his wife, Mary Jean “Bean,” Clarks Summit.
She is also survived by 28 grandchildren who she adored, James (fiancée, Clare Schoen), Christopher, Cecelia, Nora and Maggie McGrath, Clare, Catie, Cecelia, Rita and Elizabeth Collins, Liza and Gia Lettieri, Abigail, Caroline, Cecelia, Matthew and Joseph Haggerty, Rosie, Cate and Jimmy O’Rourke, Daniel, Jimmy and Annie Haggerty, and Brian, Packy, Eddie, Maggie and Kathleen James; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Joseph P. Bannon who cared for her as if she was his own mother. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Allied Services Hospice Care, and countless aides, including Allison Williams for their incredible care. Her death, while profoundly sad, was also beautiful. And that was only made possible by the loving care of her healthcare professionals.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton with Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, serving as principal celebrant.
Friends may call Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the church.
Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church.
Interment, St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James J. Haggerty Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Preparatory School, 1000 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston & James Funeral Home, Scranton.
Marion Haggerty King
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom passing, she’ll be in my prayers, Just know that she live a good and happy life. And now she with your Dad. And will see them again someday. ????????????❤️
Kandie Stroud
I am heartbroken to learn this.
She was an amazing person and a friend of many decades.
Brian P. Kenny
I am so sorry to hear about this. Cecelia Haggerty was such a beautiful woman inside and out and I will remember her always for being such a kind, loving woman and dear close friend of my mother who my mother loved very much. I have such fond memories of us all together at Elk Lake and so many other wonderful occasions. My thoughts and prayers go out to her children and grandchildren and extended family. May she rest in peace.
Dick Conaboy, Jr.
To all of my Haggerty and Lynett friends, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. She was an incredible woman of strength and dignity. She was the absolute living definition of class. She will be sorely missed.
Janet Brier
A woman who made everyone feel welcome. Generous and kind, she will be sadly missed.
Jack Lyons
Coach Jack Lyons I am so sorry for your loss .Your parents were very special and you’re family is a credit to great parents. My prayers are with you.
Rosemary and Jim Bell
Rosemary and I mourn Celia’s passing and send our prayerful, deep condolences to her children, siblings, and entire family. As Celia once said to a shared Trinity friend, speaking of our mutual Green Ridge families long association through childhood: we have “known each other forever”. The entire world has been diminished by the departure of this gracious and Grace-filled true lady let alone the world of those who knew and loved her personally, while joy and love in Heaven have been increased by her presence there. We wish we could be with you in Scranton to bear witness in person but unbreakable medical commitments make that impossible. Know that Celia is with her Jim and her parents and other departed family & friends in Heaven where, as Jesus assured, “every tear will be wiped away.” May Celia’s memory continue to be a Blessing always for all fortunate enough to have known her.
And may choirs of Angels sing thee to thy rest dear Celia. With our sympathy,
Rosemary and Jim
Judy Gregg
My deepest condolences Matt, Mauri and your entire family. Keeping you in prayer during this difficult time.
Cathy Labori Kmiec
Matthew, Daniel, Jeanie, Mauri and families. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. God bless.
Judy Sammon Felber
I am heartbroken over Celia’s death. She was a wonderful, kind and compassionate friend for 65 years. My deepest condolences to her children grandchildren and brothers. May she rest in peace with Jim forever.
Eileen Haggerty
Dear Haggerty Lynett Families,
First I’d like to say that I love this photo of her, and more importantly, I am truly sorry for the loss of your Mom, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt and all who loved her. She was a wonderful person who lived a very fulfilling life. I am so sorry for your loss.
Eileen Haggerty
Haggerty family, what a beautiful tribute to your extraordinary Mom. Every platitude mentioned was so her. I remember working with her on many St. Paul’s and Prep projects. At the time I was the other “Mrs. Jim Haggerty “. She had a most welcoming spirit and has passed it on to the next generation. You were blessed and are living up to their legacy. Pray to her, not for her. God Bless.