Obituary of Helen Jane Callahan

Helen Jane Callahan, 75, of Danvers, passed from this world on November 24, 2020. The fourth child of the late Daniel and Helen Callahan of Peabody. Adored sister of four siblings: Ann Marie Foster of Peabody; Edward J. Callahan and his wife, Kathleen, of North Reading; Dr. Daniel F. Callahan, Jr. and his wife, Kari, of Newark, Delaware; and the late Dr. Judith C. Oleks, wife of John T. Oleks, of Peabody. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and countless friends she made over the years. Helen was born in Boston and until her early twenties lived in Peabody with her parents. Thereafter, she went to reside in one of the first group home residences in Peabody, managed by the Northeast Arc. Later, she lived in various group homes for the remainder of her life. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Arc staff, Helen lived a life full of adventure, companionship and love. Surrounded by her peers, and supported by the Northeast Arc family, Helen was able to secure employment at Heritage Industries and Morgan Memorial for many years. The Arc arranged numerous trips for Helen, including Disney World, the White Mountains and local amusement parks, where she developed her passion for roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Her favorite place in the world was Canobie Lake Amusement Park in Salem, New Hampshire, where she would joyfully ride the Yankee Cannonball Roller Coaster over-and-over again. She also loved listening to music and her favorite recording artists included: Perry Como, Doris Day, Glenn Campbell and Elton John. Helen’s smile and beautiful blue eyes shone with the love of God. All those who came in contact with her were drawn to this light. She loved all those she met and never failed to express her gratitude to others. In her later years she suffered many physical setbacks, but never complained. When asked “How are you?” she unfailingly responded with an enthusiastic “I’m good!” In this way she taught us how to remain grateful in the face of our own suffering. Over the past two and a half years, Helen had resided at a Bridgewell residential group home in Danvers where her medically complex conditions required constant medical monitoring, and her trips to the hospital became more frequent. Most recently she was referred to Care Dimensions Hospice. This collaboration, with the incredible Bridgewell nursing staff, provided Helen with end-of- life care. On Tuesday, November 24th, God called Helen home. She passed from this world surrounded by the love of her family and her dedicated nursing staff. Visitation is from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Saint Ann’s Church, 136 Lynn Street, Peabody. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem, where Helen will be laid to rest beside her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online in Helen’s name to either Bridgewell, Northeast Arc, or Care Dimensions Hospice.