Elizabeth Callahan

Elizabeth Callahan, age 56 of Loudon passed away on August, 21, 2017 at the Concord VNA Hospice House. She was born in Keene, NH on November 30, 1960 to the late John C. and Ruth I. Callahan. She was the next to youngest of their 15 children and raised in Troy, NH. Elizabeth was born with Down Syndrome, and had failure to thrive as an infant. This presented many obstacles to her family, but with God’s grace and family love she survived her infancy. With such a large family to care for her, she continued to thrive and became a central figure within her family and the Troy community, often seen tagging along with one of her siblings. Elizabeth attended New Hope and New Horizons workshop in Keene for more than 30 years. With their guidance she held various jobs around Keene and Troy. Including working at People’s Linen in Keene and Helping Hands in Troy with Sister Lucy.

In the 1990’s when her mother presented with acute dementia and with the help of her brother, Gerald, and sister-in-law, Ann, Beth became her mother’s caretaker. Later Cheryl Blodgett and Rosella Fletcher were hired to help with the care of Ruth and Beth. In 1999 when her mother went into a nursing home, Beth moved to Boscawen to live with her sister, Margaret, and brother-in-law, Doug, on their deer farm. Beth kept busy on the farm doing chores, riding her bike, and walking to Dunkin Donuts. She was a member of Immaculate Conception in Penacook.

In 2000, Elizabeth was introduced to the Concord community. She was a member of Special Olympics NH the Concord Cougar’s team where she participated in swimming, bowling, dances, bocce, track & field and the Special Olympics Plunge at Hampton Beach. She was a member of Concord YMCA for 16 years participating in daily exercise groups and swimming. She greatly appreciated the support of the staff of the YMCA, especially Wendy and Linda. She made many friends in the Concord community and participated in the Concord ARC program going to many dances and the many wonderful meals catered by the Red Blazer Restaurant. She enjoyed playing bingo, going to arts &crafts activities, going to the movies, the Wednesday song group at the music school, the Thursday night Rec group and especially the musical shows at the Capital Center for the Arts.

Margaret felt that Elizabeth needed to live outside the family for a few years to gain her own independence and self-confidence. Elizabeth lived in Concord and Penacook with Cathy Creed and her wonderful family. Elizabeth gained four more siblings, especially Cynthia. When she started presenting with dementia, Margaret brought her back to live with her and Doug at 59 Plateau Ridge Rd. Loudon, NH.

During Elizabeth’s final years she lived with Margaret and Doug who had the assistance of wonderful caregivers, Mary Hanchett

and Gale Fligg. She continued to be an active member of her Concord Community as long as possible. About four years ago, she attended the incredible staff and friends at TLC adult daycare who provided such wonderful care for her. The Concord VNA Pallative/Hospice Care professionals who helped Margaret and Doug keep her in her home possible. Her final days were assisted by the wonderful staff at Concord VNA Hospice House and her sister, Mary, and sister- in-law, Ann.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents and brother James. She leaves behind siblings: John, Robert, Gerald, Mary, Ann, Jean, Thomas, Margaret, Ruth, Rita, Rose, Catherine, and Michael . She loved everyone.

In Lieu of Flowers please consider making contributions to: |

TLC Adult Day Care, Concord VNA and Hospice House, Concord YMCA, or Special Olympics NH Concord Cougars.

Visiting hours will be from 1 to 4pm on Sunday at Bennett Funeral Home in Concord. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Monday at 10am in Concord followed by the burial at 1pm at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Troy.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.