Florence "Callie" Callahan

Plattsburgh Florence Callahan, 95, formerly of Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Meadowbrook Health Care Facility. She was born in Exeter, NH, April 10, 1917, the daughter of William and Lillian (Burke) Callahan. She attended St. Joseph's Grammar School and St. Joseph's Girls High School in Manchester, NH for her elementary and high school education. In 1938, she earned a teaching certificate in elementary education from Plymouth Normal School. She continued her education at the University of New Hampshire and in 1945 earned her bachelor's degree in elementary and early secondary education and, in 1952, her masters in administration and supervision. She loved teaching and continued advance studies at SUNY Plattsburgh, the University of Minnesota and Catholic University in Washington, DC. She was a member of NEA, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society and other educational organization. She joined the faculty at Plattsburgh State in 1951 as a seventh grade teacher in the Laboratory School (Campus School). She taught seventh, eighth, and ninth grades until 1967 when she was promoted to associate professor of education in 1964. After leaving the Campus School she taught a variety of education courses. She was much loved by her many students and relished their frequent visits, phone calls and notes well after her retirement in 1986. Throughout her career, she served on dozens of committees, participated in great variety of workshops and steadfastly continued her work with several area schools. She was named as a member of Outstanding Educators of America in 1975. Before coming to Plattsburgh, she taught in one-room rural schools in Landaff and Hillsboro, NH. She was principal for eight years at the Grade School in Woodsville, NH. She was pleased to be honored when her 8th grade students at Woodard dedicated their yearbook to her in 1955, long after she had moved to Plattsburgh. The above picture was taken from that yearbook. She taught shop, coached basketball, softball, and baseball for both boys and girls while teaching in NH. She continued that legacy for a few years at the Campus School. Callie referred to herself as "one of life's lucky people." She had a wonderful family, a happy growing up time, forty-eight years in a career she loved and many, many great friends. She was proud of her Irish heritage - first generation Irish American on her father's side and second generation on her mother's side. Florence responded to several names - Buddy and Auntie were family names. During college and her New Hampshire years, she was known as Kelly. In Plattsburgh, it became Callie, a name given to her by a special young friend, Christopher Stangoni. To her students she was Miss Callahan, Miss C or Coach. She co-authored several articles on elementary education. In 1989 for the college centennial, she wrote a book on the history of the Campus School entitled "The Training School of Many Names." For 15 years after her retirement, she was very active in Literacy Volunteers. She had many great experiences with students from China, Peru, Greece, Jamaica, Lebanon, the Ukraine as well as many local students. She also worked the United Way, was a member of Friends of the Library, SCPH Auxiliary, YMCA Seniors, and other organizations. Callie was a charter resident of Lake Forest Senior Living Community. She initiated and continued to write a column for the newsletter for the 11 ½ years she lived there - always emphasizing the positive side of life. She missed her many friends when she moved to CVPH because of a fall that limited her independence. She stayed in touch through her web TV and always appreciated those who visited and sent notes. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Marjorie Callahan Nolan and her husband, Robert, of Sandwich, MA. She is survived by her loving nephew and godson, Robert Nolan, his wife Susan, their son David and his wife Kim, their daughter Jennifer Boggs and her three children Nathan, Kaitlin and Michael. Callie cherished her "adopted" family - the Frank Nardellis. She formed a lasting friendship with Anna during their teaching years and took pride in the successes of daughter Teresa Nardelli Goodsell, husband Christopher, daughters Sophia and Francesca of Walpole, MA.: son, Frank, his wife Shana, daughters Annalin and her namesake, Callie of Livonia, MI. She was blessed with dear friends Simone and Robert Lutz, Margot Zeglis, cousin Mary Ellen Reilly, other cousins, friends and former colleagues and students. Many of Callie's friends remember her as an independent, clear-minded and caring person. She used to say, "I would rule the world if you would let me." It was not in her plans to lose her independence, but she wished to thank all of the people who showed her compassion during her stay at CVPH Skilled Nursing and Meadowbrook Health Care Facility. The Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh is in charge of services. She will be buried with her parents at Mount Carmel cemetery at the discretion of her family. At her request, there will be no callings hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florence C. Callahan Endowment Fund at SUNY Plattsburgh to assist Education students. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.