Helen Melinda “Linda” Hagerty, 85, passed away peacefully Monday, May 5, 2025, in Sundale Nursing Home, after a courageous multi-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. The last year and a half she was a resident of Sundale and befriended many people in her quiet, gentle manner. The family gives its most sincere thanks to the many staff members and employees of Sundale, a group of very caring individuals.
A loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and cherished friend, Linda’s life was filled with a strong sense of empathy and justice. Her calling was that of social work; she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a MSW degree.
Early on, she worked in social service agencies in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Akron, Ohio; and Philadelphia, Pa., that focused on the needs of children and families. In West Virginia, she was employed first with the Region VI Planning and Development Council. Later, she would become the director of the Continuing Education program in the WVU Division of Social Work and then became the field instruction coordinator in the WVU School of Social Work for 12 years. She retired in December, 2004.
Linda was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years and served as an elder and deacon in church life. She particularly enjoyed singing in the choir. She was a founding member and served several terms as secretary of the board of Harless Center, a church- sponsored development project to reclaim life of a former elementary school to be reborn as housing for the university.
She was a member of the PEO, Chapter P, and a board member of Empty Bowls Monongalia for several years.
Born June 25, 1940, in Lancaster County, Pa., Linda grew up surrounded by her Pennsylvania Dutch family on its well-managed dairy farm. She was the oldest child of Harry and Helen Mumma, her siblings being brother, Robert Mumma of Chambersburg, Pa.; and sisters, Mary Ellen Harwood of California, Suzanne Doughty (Howard) of Wisconsin, and Kay Weber (Tim) of Lititz, Pa. There are many children and grandchildren of these siblings, many of whom Linda knew quite well until later years.
Linda was preceded in death by her sister-in- law, Martha Mumma; nephew, Steve Mumma; and by brother-in-law, Jerry Harwood.
Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Hagerty, with whom she has been married for 58 years; and also their two sons: Brett Hagerty (Jenn) of Morgantown, with children Emma and Grace; Ryan Hagerty (Christy) of Shepherdstown, with children Wyatt and Sadie. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Hagerty Martin (Jerry); and niece, Tracy Harford Tills and family.
Linda and Bill were interested in the history and culture of other countries. They nurtured their desire to create international friendships by hosting many participants of the Council of International Programs in their home. They developed friendships with visitors from Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Turkey, Cuba, Peru, Kenya, China, and more.
In retirement, Linda and Bill, most often with dear friends Mavis Grant and George Lilley, enjoyed an international trip every year to see and learn about as much of the people of the world as possible.
Friends and family will be received in Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9. Visitation will continue in the First Presbyterian Church, 456 Spruce Street, Morgantown, from 10 until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, with the Rev. Zac Morton officiating. Following the service, cremation services will be provided.
Memorial gifts are being received at the WVU Foundation to the Art Acquisition fund for diverse collection Fund ID# 2W1484 at give.wvu.edu or 1 Waterfront Place, 7th floor, Morgantown, WV 26501.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
