Christine Callahan's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Chris Callahan, who left us on November 4, 2024. Born on August 25, 1963, Chris was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and sense of humor, as well as her unwavering love and support for her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Born in Lorain, Chris moved to Chicago to earn her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology She spent 25 years as a data analyst and statistician at a Chicago advertising agency, where she became a trusted and respected professional and colleague. Chris spent the last 10 years teaching various psychology classes at Chicago-area universities – a 2nd career she loved. She got a lot of satisfaction from interacting with students and helping them learn in engaging and creative ways.
Chris was a unique and independent individual. She loved to learn and was interested in a wide range of topics. She was an avid reader her entire life, often reading hard-copy books while waiting in lines at stores, before the days of e-reading. She was delighted when podcasts came out and listened to them often.
Chris loved to travel internationally, especially when she was younger, eventually spending more time hiking and biking locally. She rarely sat still and was always willing to join or suggest plans with her many friends; especially if they involved being outside. She loved nature and captured many scenes of nature through her photography. In recent years she developed a strong love of flowers, getting joy out of tending to her own plants. Her home was always filled with vibrant blooms, greenery, and color.
A lifelong Cleveland sports fan, Chris was particularly passionate about the Indians (now Guardians); she was a season ticket holder for more than 10 years, through good times and bad. While Cleveland teams were a special favorite, she was interested in all sports and was well known for her extensive knowledge of sports trivia, and trivia in general.
While she spent many years indifferent to dogs, in the past 10 years or so she developed a strong love of dogs, fostering multiple dogs until she found her permanent dog, Max (a.k.a. Meatball). Max was a constant companion, sometimes more constant than she would have liked, and Chris was known for the extreme love she showed him and for their very tight bond.
Above all, Chris will be remembered for the care, kindness, and support she showed to those around her. She was a loyal friend, a loving family member, a great colleague and an inspiring teacher. Her sense of humor and ability to lighten up every situation will be missed by all who knew her.
Chris is survived by her twin sister Cathy Callahan-Hartman (Earl Harman), her niece Sara Callahan, multiple cousins, an aunt and sister-in-law, as well as countless friends and colleagues who will remember her fondly for her wit, warmth, and generosity. Chris was preceded in death by her mother Betty Callahan, father Terence Callahan, brother Terry Callahan and multiple Aunts and Uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the APL, or any no-kill animal rescue or adoption agency of your choice.
A celebration of Chris’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 13th at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral center where we will gather to honor her memory, share stories, and celebrate the remarkable woman she was. Interment will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery. Lorain.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
May her memory live on in the laughter she caused and shared and the love she gave so freely to everyone around her.
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