Nancy Callahan

Nancy (Callinan) Callahan, age 94, of North Haven, CT passed away on February 10, 2023 at home with her loving daughter at her side. Nancy was born in Fair Haven on July 8, 1928, the youngest child of the late Thomas Callinan and Jane Doohan Callinan, and sister to the late Margaret Callinan McCrory. Nancy’s parents, Thomas and Jane, both emigrated from County Clare, Ireland around 1910, and met and married in New Haven. At first, Thomas, Jane and their two daughters lived on East Pearl Street in Fair Haven and, as the depression hit, they moved into a friend’s house on Quinnipiac Avenue. At that time, Nancy transferred from St. Rose to St. Francis Grammar School where she first met her future husband, Jack Callahan Sr, in 6th grade. When Nancy was seventeen, the family was dealt a blow when her father, a New Haven fireman, had a fatal heart attack while at work in the New Haven Fire Headquarters. Mother and daughter continued to live together on Quinnipiac Avenue, including Nancy’s early years of marriage. Nancy graduated from Hillhouse High School, Class of 1945 where she cheered on Jack who played left guard for the football team. Nancy and Jack were married in 1950 and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary several months before Jack passed in early 2019. After their early years living on Quinnipiac Avenue, they spent 45 memorable years in Morris Cove, raising their two children Jack Jr. and MJ, before moving to North Haven. Nancy attended the St. Raphael’s Nursing School on a Cadet Nursing Corps scholarship graduating in 1948. She had an outstanding nursing career that lasted well over four decades. She worked at St. Raphael’s Hospital, private duty nursing assignments, and the Health Center for the US Post Office in New Haven where she retired in 1991. Nancy loved the summers and could be often found at the either the Indian Point Club or The Owenego Beach Club in Branford. During her retirement years, she enjoyed many vacations across the United States and Europe, combined with enjoyable trips to the local casinos. Her happiest times were spent with her three grandchildren. Nancy’s last big trip at the age of 90 was to South Bend IN attending her grandson Ryan’s graduation from the University of Notre Dame. Nancy is survived by her devoted daughter MJ Callahan of North Haven; her faithful son Jack Callahan Jr, and beloved daughter-in law April (Ainsworth) Callahan; and 3 cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Kathryn, and Caroline Callahan of New Canaan. She is also survived by her sister’s children: Kaija Jeantet of Tallmadge,, Ohio, Sheila McCrory of Mountain House, California; and Kevin (Barbara) McCrory of Leesburg, Virginia, along with four generations of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Jack Callahan Sr; her sister Margaret Callinan McCrory; her brothers-in-law: Brian McCrory, James (Helen) Callahan and Joseph (Ann) Callahan; and her five sisters-in-law: Catherine (Thomas) Callahan Twohill; Margaret (Charles) Callahan Gunning; Agnes (Joseph) Callahan Hackett, Eileen (John) Callahan Durkin, and Nancy Callahan. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Kasper of East Haven for his terrific support and care for over 40 years, and all her amazing caregivers, especially Akua Yawson Fisher who lovingly cared for Nancy over the past 15 months. Family and Friends may call on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Her Funeral will leave from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home on Saturday morning February 18, 2023, at 9:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of Trinity Parish at Saint Francis Cabrini Church, 57 Pond Hill Road North Haven at 10:00 am. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Nancy Callahan

July 8, 1928 - February 10, 2023