Obituary of Betty Haggerty

Betty Haggerty finished her life’s journey on February 11th. She was a supportive mother and grandmother and lifelong learner who committed countless hours of her life to service. Betty was born in Washington DC on the notable date of 10-20-30. She graduated Western High School, and attended George Washington University on a debate scholarship. While she was an undergraduate, she married John J. Daly, who was attending GW law. They had two sons and settled in Arlington, Virginia. They later separated. When her sons were old enough, Betty started a career in marketing and sales, utilizing her sense of humor, her ability to connect with people and her intellect to understand what the client needed. Initially, she worked for Field Coordinators, a marketing and promotions firm, primarily representing fashion and home-furnishings providers in their retail promotions in the DC and Baltimore area. She later transitioned to residential real estate and enjoyed a long association with Long and Foster realtors in northern Virginia. Despite working full time, Betty was a tireless volunteer and organizer. She served as a director and on the boards of numerous non-profit and arts organizations, including the Service League of Northern Virginia, and Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts. It seemed she was always planning the next fund raiser or opening night celebration. The dining table was often stacked with invitations or tickets to be mailed to some event. Before running for office became such a professional endeavor, she served as campaign chairman for several political candidates in Arlington, overseeing volunteers, publicity and canvassing activities. She later married Kenneth Haggerty, a prominent dentist and community volunteer, who chaired the county board for many years. In 1970, Betty retired and moved to Charlotte to be closer to family. Not content to be idle, she adopted to her new home by serving as a leader and volunteer. She had a soft heart for all animals and volunteered at Discovery Place Nature. She was also elected to multiple terms as president of her Carmel South POA, as others discovered her leadership skills. Betty had a lifelong love of the fine and performing arts. She led her sorority glee club, and took on fundraising for various arts organizations. She was always in a book club and her favorite chair was surrounded with stacks of books. She looked forward to opportunities to exchange viewpoints with interesting people. Betty was also an intrepid scholar-traveler. She was on one of the first trips to the newly opened Russian republic with the Smithsonian Institute. She explored European galleries with Georgetown University on other trips. In her 70s she traveled with her two granddaughters to Costa Rica, and rafted with them down a frigid Alaskan river. Betty is survived by her two sons: Dean Russell Daly (Monica) of Sandy Utah, and Christopher John Daly (Elizabeth) of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Sheridan Russell Daly of Salt Lake City, Utah and Morgan Christine Daly of Atlanta, GA. A private family celebration of her life will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mecklenburg County Library Foundation or The Charlotte Symphony. Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.