Sally Ann Flaherty

Sally Flaherty, of Westampton, N.J., age 79 passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Sally was born on August 7th, 1945, the daughter of the late Harry T. Flaherty and Josephine (McDevitt) Flaherty of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. She was the beloved sister of Cecilia J. Flaherty of Westampton, N.J., Dr. Michael T. Flaherty (Marylee) of Murrysville, Pa. and Thomas X. Flaherty (Audra) of Poway, California. She was also the proud devoted aunt of seven nieces and nephews and five great nephews.
Sally was a 1963 graduate of the Annunciation BVM Catholic School in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania and later the Shenandoah Catholic High School. In 1967 she graduated from Bloomsburg (Pa.) University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Upon completion of that degree and teacher certification Sally taught for over 25 years in the Pennsbury School District; Teheran, Iran; London, England; Staten Island, N,Y. and Bedminster, N.J.
A dedicated and beloved educator, Sally is best remembered by many students and families around the globe for her committed professional life. Sally always maintained an ardent determination to understand each student as the unique, special person they were. Influenced by Sally's teaching, in 2019, Dr. N. Bahram dedicated her book to Sally, Islam Dropout – my VOICE, my CHOICE, on her personal experience growing up and the oppression of women within Islam. Loved by her students, to this day, Sally maintained over 500 ongoing connections with former students, their families and close friends. Sally's biggest passion was reading, constantly using any free time to read another novel, history text or classic literature until, in later life, her vision prevented this. When not reading she was an ardent Philadelphia Flyers fan, even abroad earning a special citation from the team for being such a long-distance avid supporter. Sally was always a cheerful, optimistic and insightful conversationalist, inspiring and encouraging everyone she encountered in her life. She would always take the time to appreciate the idea or thought presented, responding with personal kindness and acumen. She was an "exemplar" educator, sought out, appreciated and remembered. It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt reverence that we commemorate the life of someone who touched so many hearts and left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known them. Her legacy will forever be cherished.
Family and friends are invited to attend Sally's Memorial Mass on Friday, June 27, 2025, 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1603 Marne Highway, Hainesport, NJ 08036. Interment services will be at the Annunciation BVM Cemetery in Shenandoah, PA. on July 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Sally was a devout Catholic.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations in her name be sent to The Samaritan Center and Hospice at Mount Holly, 175 Madison Avenue, 2 South, Mt. Holly, New Jersey, 08060; (609) 845-2200 or SamaritanNJ.org.
Further updates are available at www.mountlaurelfuneralhome.com.