Cecelia Blanche (Callaghan) Schneider

Cecelia Schneider passed away on April 16, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by love, creativity, and compassion.

Born on July 19, 1943, Cecelia was raised in Thorofare, New Jersey. Over the years, she made her home in Pennsville, New Jersey; Newark, Delaware; and later Erie, Pennsylvania, where she continued to build meaningful connections and touch the lives of those around her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul Schneider; her brother, Paul Callaghan Jr.; and her sister, Anne Fatum.

Cecelia is survived by her daughter, Judith Damiani Betts of Wilmington, Delaware; and her son, John Damiani (Elizabeth) of Middletown, Delaware. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Joshua Hynson (Maura), Sarah Hynson (Kelly), Jacob Betts, Ava Damiani; and a cherished great-grandmother to Milo Hynson. She is also survived by her sister, Frances Otto of Chillicothe, Ohio, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members .

Cecelia dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She retired from Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware, and continued her service through volunteer work at the VA Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. She shared her love of music as a member of the Millcreek Area Community Band. While living in Delaware, she gave her time as a narrator for the visually impaired with the Delaware Association for the Visually Impaired and as a mentor at the First State School at Wilmington Hospital.

She had a gentle spirit and a creative heart. Cecelia found joy in playing her flute and guitar, creating artwork, and working on crafts—simple passions that brought warmth and beauty to her life and to those around her.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the way she showed love to others. Her presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 10:45am – 11:45am. Interment will be held in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecelia’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-0050.

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