Shirley (Jones) Callahan, age 83, of North Brunswick, New Jersey and an Old Forge native, passed away Thursday evening at home. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Callahan. Wed on January 4, 1958, the couple celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Born in Old Forge on May 24, 1937, and daughter of the late Edward and Stella (Butcher) Jones, Shirley was a graduate of the former Taylor High School, Class of 1955. She first worked for International Correspondence Schools (I.C.S.) before moving to New Jersey where she then worked for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club prior to raising her family. She ultimately worked for Bristol Myers Squibb pharmaceutical company of North Brunswick for 25 years before her retirement. Shirley loved cooking, crocheting and listening to her favorite polka music. She will long be remembered for her amazing story telling, either in person or via one of her two telephones (“you didn’t hear it from me”). Above all else came her family, especially her adored children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley will forever be loved by her family and friends.
She is also survived by her loving family, children Joe Callahan and wife Lori of Houston, Texas and Sharon Marshall and husband James of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, Jimmy Marshall, Tara Evans and Joey and John Callahan; three great grandchildren, Garrett, William and Brinley Evans; and nieces and nephews. Her brother, Edward Jones, also preceded her in death.
A blessing service is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Burial will follow at Marcy Cemetery in Duryea. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.