Salem: Beatrice J. Callahan age 87 of Salem, died unexpectedly Saturday evening at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was the wife of the late James F. Callahan, Sr., who at the time of his death had been married 59 years.
Born and raised in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Clement and Ida (Caron) Jodoin. As a young woman she first worked for the former CBS Hytron of Salem and later worked part time in catering and for the Allenhurst Restaurant while raising her family. A loving mother and homemaker she left the restaurant business to spend more time with her family. In 1965 she began working for Shetland Industries in Salem until her retirement in 1975. Bea, loved her family and home and spent many hours knitting for family and friends. She was an active member and former officer of the Richelieu Nord de Boston Club and was devoted to her “Club Girls”, a group of 8 very close friends, who met every Wednesday evening for nearly 50 years. She was also a devoted member and daily communicant of the Immaculate Conception Parish.
She is survived by 4 daughters: Patricia C. Devoe & her husband Armand E. Devoe of Beverly, Maureen C. Amenta & her husband Anthony P. Amenta of Peabody, Debra L. Callahan of Hathorne, Linda D. Callahan of Camden, ME, 2 sons: James F. Callahan, Jr. & his wife Elsa H. Callahan of Lynnfield, Donald P. Callahan of Salem, 2 brothers: Richard Jodoin & his wife Mabel of Lynn, Rene Jodoin & his wife Louise of Florida, 2 sisters-in-law: Blanche Jodoin & Rita Jodoin both of Florida, 7 grandchildren: Suzanne Devoe Conlon, David Devoe, David & Peter Callahan, Christina Whitaker, Kerri Amenta Whelan and Amy Amenta, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter: Barbara Marie Callahan, 3 sisters who died in early childhood, 2 brothers: Hector Jodoin and Raymond “Charlie” Jodoin.
Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 9 am from the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., Salem {Rt. 114 / 1-A] followed by her funeral mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem at 10 am. Visiting hours: Tuesday 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded, Inc. PO Box 424, Hawthorne, MA 01937 or Catholic Charities North, 55 Lynnshore Dr., Lynn, MA 01902.