Irene M. Callahan Obituary (1936 - 2017)

CHELMSFORD- Irene M. (Doyle) Callahan, 80, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, died peacefully on Monday May 15, 2017, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at Lowell General Hospital. For 58 years, she shared a love story with her husband, Gerald J. "Gerry" Callahan, until his death on November 23, 2015. Born in Jamaica Plain on July 5, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Maurice F. and Irene M. (Rodgers) Doyle. Many would remember Irene for her longstanding presence in the main office at South Row School in Chelmsford, MA. She adored children, especially those with special needs, and found her role in an elementary school fitting and dedicated 18 years of her life to the kids of South Row. For more than 50 years, Irene was a faithful parishioner at St. Mary's Church in Chelmsford where she taught CCD and served as a Eucharistic minister. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis and splitting a blueberry muffin at Dunkin Donuts with her best friend Gerry. But her greatest joy in life was time spent with her nine grandkids. She would drag her husband home early from Florida each winter, against his will, so they wouldnt miss a single grandchilds birthday party. Irene was a true friend in every sense of the word and enjoyed nothing more than laughing hysterically with her close circle of lifelong pals. Her nickname was I which was ironic for a woman known for her selflessness and compassion. Irene is survived by two sons, Gerald J. Callahan, Jr. and his wife Tracy of Andover and Tim Callahan of Chelmsford; two daughters, Maureen Sullivan of Westford and Denise Callahan of North Andover; grandchildren, Heather, Kim and her husband Matt, Kyle and his fiance Rachael, Brett, Tim, Shannon, Jackson, Lauren, and Erin; three great grandchildren, Reese, David and Marley; three sisters-in-law, Rita Doherty of Chelmsford, Jean Fleury of Carver and Vida Doyle of Wellesley; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was the sister of the late Fred and Jack Doyle. CALLAHAN- Visiting hours Thursday 5 until 8 PM in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 11 o'clock at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Irene can be made to: Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org. Visitation May 18, 2017 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information May 19, 2017 11:00am, Saint Mary Catholic Church 25 North Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 Interment Location Pine Ridge Cemetery 130 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824