Priscilla E. (Aro) Callahan, 75, a lifelong resident of Troy, NH and also of Cape Coral, FL, died on Tuesday, September 11, 2017 during Hurricane Irma at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, FL.
Born the daughter of the late Ellen (Hongisto) and Waino Aro on April 22, 1942 in Troy, Priscilla was educated locally and graduated from Troy High School with the Class of 1961.
Priscilla and John C. Callahan Jr. exchanged vows at Immaculate Conception Church in Troy on August 4, 1962 and remained married until her passing.
Though her career began with a technical role at New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Priscilla would eventually retire from the Keene School District after spending many years supporting the high school’s early childhood development and child care center.
Priscilla enjoyed life. She was most happy working with the people of her community and much of her time was spent volunteering. She was well known for her generosity, financial assistance to others, and always having an open home, especially when it came to children. She touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered for this. She gave her time to the Woman’s Auxillary of the Troy Fire Department and the Meadowood County Area Fire Department, assisting with the Meadowood Fire School every April and September. Among the highlights of her volunteerism was working with Kathy Marrotte to open the Troy Cooperative Preschool and Kindergarten.
Mrs. Callahan is survived by her husband of 55 years John C. Callahan Jr. of Troy; her five children, John C. Callahan III and his significant other Cheryl Munroe of Sullivan, Patricia C. Rhode and her husband Steve of Lynnfield, MA. David A. Callahan of Swanzey, Mary E. Todd and her husband John of Sterling, VA, and Daniel J. Callahan of Keene; her five grandchildren, John C. Callahan IV, Parker Rhode, Tracy Rhode, Hunter Todd, and Colin Todd; and three great grandchildren, Liam, Mary and Madelyn. In addition, she leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends. She is pre-deceased by her siblings Elaine (Firmin) Reitan and Lawrence Aro.
In keeping with Priscilla’s wishes, there are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11am in the family lot at Pine Grove Cemetery, Granite St. Marlborough, NH 03455.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Pricilla’s name to the Keene School District, Cheshire Career Center. Your donation will be gratefully accepted. Please make payable to: KSD Trustees of Trust Funds, mailing address 193 Maple Avenue Keene NH 03431 in memory of Priscilla E. Callahan.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH 03431, www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com.
