Mary Booth Obituary

Mary Theresa Booth, 89, passed away peacefully at Willowbrook Place, South Abington Twp on Saturday, March 8th surrounded by her family. Her loving husband of 63 years, Donald J. Booth, passed away in 2023.

Born July 1st, 1935 in Scranton, Mary was the daughter of late Edward & Rose (Harding) Galligan. She was raised in South Scranton and resided in the Green Ridge area for most of her adult life.

Mary graduated from St Mary’s High School in South Scranton and worked at Pocono Manor and in Atlantic City, NJ before graduating from Marywood College, Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. She went to work for PP&L, Scranton as a hostess but after being swept off her feet by Don, she became a homemaker and raised four children. She returned to work as a dietician at Mercy Hospital, Scranton where she worked for 20 years. While working full-time she returned to Marywood College for her Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition and earned certification as a Registered Dietician. Her years at the Mercy Hospital were very rewarding with satisfying work and many lifelong friendships. After retiring from Mercy Hospital, she helped Don in his Real Estate Appraisal business.

Mary and Don loved to travel and visited every US state except Alaska. They also visited the Caribbean, Canada and many countries in Europe. The trip on the Rhine River in 2016 was especially memorable when schnapps and dancing broke out in the dining room. Mom and Dad loved going to their condo in Delray Beach, FL, relaxing in the warm weather, visiting with their Scranton friends the Gallaghers and Hobans, and making new friends from all over the country. Mom loved Norman Rockwell’s paintings and hung many throughout the house. She also loved to laugh, watch basketball, play bridge, and enjoy some Canadian Club on the rocks in the evening.

The family is eternally grateful to the residents and staff at Willowbrook Place. The residents made her feel like family and enjoyed watching her win many of the games. The staff at “WB” was always very attentive & kind and paid special attention to mom’s needs. Without their professionalism and care mom’s final year would not have been as comfortable and healthy. We also thank the caregivers at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart who were wonderful for our mom.

Mary is survived by a son Michael and his wife Karen, Enfield, CT, a son Timothy and his wife Barbara, South Abington Twp, a son Paul, Conshohocken, a daughter Mary Ellen Reese and her husband Bob Reese, South Abington Twp, a sister, Rose Corcoran, Plains, sister-in-law Geri Galligan, New York City, sister-in-law Sheila Smith, Doylestown, and grandchildren Justin Booth, Austin TX, Ryan and his wife Nicole Booth, New York City, Gretchen Reese, who is attending Norwich University, Northfield, VT and Mary Lynne Reese, South Abington Twp, as well as many nieces & nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother Bobby Galligan, New York City ,a sister Catherine Ann Toth, Rockville, MD, brothers-in-law Robert Corcoran, Frank Toth, Richard Booth, Bill McKeon, William Smith and sister-in-law Louise Bright.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St Gregory in May.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509 www.stjosephscenter.org/donations/memorial-donation, or to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart at www.hospicesacredheart.org.