Veronica S. Callaghan, 84

November 03, 2024

Veronica S. Callaghan, age 84, passed away unexpectedly at York Hospital on November 3, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, Veronica was the daughter of the late John E. and Agnes M. (O’Shea) Callaghan. Upon her birth, at 8 days old, she underwent a surgery that only 5% of infants survive making her a “miracle baby.”

Growing up, Veronica had a talent for singing and she won many awards. She sang Irish songs at many Irish parties in Lancaster and at the age of 72, she took her singing to the next level and made a CD. She loved all animals and was a professional dog groomer. Professionally, Veronica worked on the PA Turnpike as a toll collector and then worked for the United States Postal Service as a postal worker, which led to her retiring as a Postmaster. Combining her love of singing and work, she sang the national anthem for the state and national postal service convention.

Veronica is survived by her husband James K. Longenecker of Lancaster; her children: Louis Mathes, Jr. (husband of Christina) of Akron, PA., Alicia Force (wife of Stephen) of Lancaster; Suzanne Claypoole (wife of Kevin) of Fleetwood, PA., and Robert Callaghan (husband of Gypsy) of Reinholds, PA; 1 grandson: Louis Mathes, III; 1 great granddaughter: Karly Mathes; 4 step children; 11 step grandchildren; 20 step great grandchildren; two sister in laws: Marion Callaghan and Jayne Callaghan and 6 nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Veronica is preceded in death by her siblings: Suzanne, Joseph, Mary, Cecilia and John Callaghan; 1 grandson: John Mathes; 1 aunt: Cecilia O’Shea and one stepson.

Family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, from 9am to 10am with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 10am. Interment to follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lancaster SPCA, https://www.pspca.org/donate or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.