Catherine Elizabeth Haggerty

Catherine Elizabeth “Betty” Haggerty, age 87, a longtime Stoneham resident, died Tuesday, May 2, at Sunrise of Lynnfield Assisted Living Community.

Born in Ireland on June 1, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Katie (Cotter) Landers. 

Betty was raised in Ballyglassin, Killeagh, County Cork, Ireland, as the youngest of six children. She came to the United States in 1960 to be the Godmother for her nephew, the late Thomas Abernethy. Betty then met and fell in love with Robert Francis Haggerty, Jr., and the two would marry in 1964 at St. Mary's Church, settle in Winchester for a time, start their family, and eventually move to Stoneham in 1968. Betty enjoyed taking as many trips back to Ireland to visit family as possible. She was devoted to her children and sought out any volunteer opportunity that she could as it related to her children's pursuits. Whether it was running the bake sale, craft fair, bingo, or cheering a game from the sideline, her commitment to her children was unwavering. Yet, her loving and giving nature extended to all in need. She was the kind of person who would do anything to help, and there was no job too big or small. Although Betty was not much of a "sitter," in her leisure, she enjoyed reading, visiting her niece Michelle in NYC, and sipping a late afternoon cocktail in the backyard with her one true love, Bob. 

Betty had a brilliant mind, especially with math. She never used a calculator, for she would have the correct answer before turning it on. She worked as a librarian at the Central School in Stoneham for a time but ultimately retired from a payroll position at Metcalf and Eddy in 1999 to take on her favorite role of "Grammy," happily taking on the responsibility of caretaker for her grandchildren. Betty was devoted to her faith and attended daily Mass at St. Patrick Parish. 

She was the beloved wife of Robert Francis Haggerty, Jr., with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Kelma Dever and her husband James of Harwich, Patricia Dwyer and her husband Joseph of Reading, and Sean Haggerty and his wife Jeanette of Windham, NH. She was the cherished grandmother of Katie and Maggie Dever, Meghan and Patrick Dwyer, and Alana, Kaelyn, and Brayden Haggerty. She was the sister of the late Anna O’Neill, James Landers, Sean Landers, Mary Abernethy, and Benjamin Landers. Betty had a special relationship with Stephen and Nancy Meehan and enjoyed their companionship and support through the years. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family would like to thank the amazing Sunrise staff for their loving care.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Sunday from 1-4pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham on Monday at 10am. A private interment for family will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.