Obituary of Eleanor M. (O'Leary) Callahan

Eleanor (O’Leary) Callahan, 97, of Peabody, loving wife of the late Cornelius Callahan, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 with her family by her side. Mrs. Callahan was born in Peabody on January 24, 1919 daughter of Patrick and Hannah (Enright) O’Leary. She graduated from St. John’s Girls School in Peabody, and was a lifelong resident of the city. She had an inviting smile, great sense of humor and would go to Foxwoods at the drop of a hat. Eleanor began her working career at Filene’s Department Store in the North Shore Shopping Center. She retired in 1983 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare. Following the unexpected death of her husband Cornelius in 1976, she became a single mother. Eleanor devoted her life to creating a home for her four children. Eleanor is survived by her children and their spouses, Ann and Carmen Bonarrigo of Wilmington, Daniel C. and Marlene Callahan of Peabody, Noreen Callahan of Peabody, and Paul and Joya Callahan of Mount Holly, NJ. She has 10 cherished grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Donald and Franklin O’Leary, and Patricia Racki. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Her funeral will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 1st at 9:30 a.m. followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eleanor’s name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 226 North St., Salem. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.