Celeste McMenamin

Celeste T. McMenamin, 74

Beloved Teacher, Devoted Daughter peacefully passed away on February 24, 2026.

Born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Celeste was the cherished only child of her devoted mother, Agnes McMenamin. She attended Ascension of Our Lord Grade School and Cecilian Academy High School, before graduating from Georgian Court College in 1973 with a degree English.

Celeste began her professional career as a secretary at a law firm but soon found her true calling in education. She taught English and Drama at Cherry Hill High School West, where she was affectionately known by her students as "Miss M." A lifelong lover of travel, Celeste broadened her students' horizons by chaperoning numerous educational trips across Europe.

Celeste's love of the arts extended well beyond the classroom. For most of her adult life, she and her mother held season tickets to the Walnut Street Theatre. After her retirement, she continued to be a devoted patron of the theatre with subscriptions to The Walnut Street Theatre, The Arden Theatre Company, and The Kimmel Center.

She enjoyed spending her summers at her shore home in Bayberry Cove, Marmora, New Jersey, lovingly known as her "Teacher's Recess".

Above all, Celeste was a devoted daughter, loving caregiver and source of joy to her mother, Agnes, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 96. Their bond was deep and enduring.

Celeste was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Agnes (nee Boston) and her father Joseph McMenamin. She is survived by her beloved Aunt, Mary McCarthy (nee McMenamin); her devoted cousins, Regina (Charles) Hickey, Mike Boston and Larry (Barbara) Boston; many second and third cousins; several godchildren, and many close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation and funeral on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St. Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in honor of Celeste's life at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Dominic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Celeste's memory may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

To share a memory of Celeste, please visit www.tjfluehr.com

Florists, all deliveries must arrive at the church on Wednesday by 9 AM.