Mary Eileen “E” Callahan, age 93, passed away September 25, 2022. A lifelong San Antonian, she was born to Walter & Julia Calmbach in 1929. She, along with her 2 sisters and 3 brothers, grew up in Highland Park. She graduated from St. Gerard’s in 1946. Having lost her mother as a baby, she found herself in the unique position of spending endless hours with her father hunting, fishing, camping and exploring the countryside. This led to her lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.
Eileen was known as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Tom R. “TC” Callahan and daughter-in-law Janice Callahan; parents Walter and Julia Calmbach; sisters Marguerite Bailey and Lorraine Logan; and brothers Frank Calmbach, Walter Calmbach and Harold Calmbach.
During their long and vibrant marriage, E and TC were known to travel the world, enjoy many hours with friends and family and create a welcoming home to any and all. Those who knew her well recall her love of bridge, gardening and the ability to engage anyone she met in deep and meaningful conversation.
She is survived by her children, Trudy Seelig (Don), Jeff Callahan, Jill Matula (Larry), and Bart Callahan, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Through her dedication and joy, family traditions, like Christmas Eve open-house, Easter Flower picking and the annual beach trip have continued to this day – in some cases for over 100 years – and have become beloved events throughout the year for numerous family, extended family and friends.
She went by many names, but she was mostly known as “E”. Although just a single letter, to us, it embodies countless memories of a faithful woman who showed love, care and compassion to everyone she met.
Visitation will be 6pm, with rosary at 7pm, on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30am, Monday, October 3, 2022 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church. Private interment will occur on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
