Mary C. Tigue, of Moosic, and formerly of Avoca, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, surrounded lovingly by her family at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton.
Born in Pittston (September 17, 1944), she was the daughter of the late John P. and Alice Reap Corcoran. She was a graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Misericordia College. Later she earned her Master of Science Degree in School Leadership from Marywood College.
An avid reader, writer, and lifelong learner, she began her 48-year career in education as a teacher in Owego, New York. Shortly thereafter, she accepted a position at Scranton Hebrew Day School where she served as a dedicated teacher and Principal of Secular Studies for 20 years. In 1990, she was named Principal at Gate of Heaven Elementary School in Dallas, PA where she faithfully served for 16 years. An admired educator who made a lasting impact on students, teachers, and colleagues, she received numerous awards including Principal of the Year from the Diocese of Scranton. In 2006, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Scranton and continued to work tirelessly as an advocate and leader of Catholic education until her retirement in 2015. Throughout her career, she was also a well-respected Team Member, Team Chair, and Commissioner for the Middle States Association on Elementary and Secondary Schools.
She was preceded in death by her infant brother, John, and her parents. Surviving are her beloved husband of 53 years, Walter P. Tigue Jr., and daughters, Dr. Kate Tigue D’Elia and her husband, John, of Clarks Summit, PA, Meghan Gola and her husband, Gregg, of North Wales, PA, and Bridget of East Norriton, PA. She was a devoted and proud Nana to Alec, Anna, Abby, Grace, and Andrew, a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, and a loyal and supportive friend and colleague to many.
The family would like to thank Dr. Eric Smith, the staff of Glenmaura Senior Living, as well as the staff of Geisinger Community Medical Center, especially the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for their compassionate care for Mary.
Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of St. Gregory 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA with her close friend, Rev. John Lapera presiding. Friends may call for a visitation on Friday evening, May 21, from 6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. at the Church of St. Gregory. Interment will be private at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Pittston.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation c/o Catholic Schools Office 300 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 or the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 2300 Adams Avenue Scranton, PA 18509. If attending the visitation or celebration of life service, please be mindful that masks and safe social distancing are mandatory per CDC regulations.