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Judith Callahan Obituary
March 22, 1935 ~ April 10, 2015
Jeri Callahan, age 80, passed peacefully the morning of April 10th in Shoreline, WA. Known to many as "the Houseboat Lady", Jeri found her niche in the floating home community of Lake Union where she resided for over 25 years. She offered tours by water of the floating homes and published the book Staying Afloat, a collection of vignettes about past & present daily life in Seattle's floating homes.
Jeri was born Judith Ellen Robinson in Columbus, OH to J. Harold and Freida Robinson. She grew up in Dayton, OH, went to Oakwood H.S. and graduated cum laude from the College of William and Mary, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. She married Charles L. Callahan (deceased) of Seattle in 1958 and moved to Burien, WA, where they had 3 children.
Later, Jeri obtained a Teaching Credential from Pacific Oaks College and worked for the Seattle school district. In the late-90's Jeri became a snowbird, spending winters on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, often inviting folks to share her condo, and reading lessons at the local church. She loved the water, swimming and sunbathing. When in Seattle, she was active at St. Mark's and participated in several clubs, the local Theta chapter, and was known for entertaining at her houseboat most notably on the 4th of July.
Jeri is survived by her three children, Keith (Teresa) Callahan of Falls Church, VA, Constance (Jeff) Stubbins of Stanwood, WA, John (Denise) Callahan of Eugene, OR; and four grandchildren, Dolly Aguilar, Candace Sharp, Alex Stubbins, and Gustavo Callahan. Her smile, personality and ability to make each person feel like a long lost friend will be greatly missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 AM on August 22 at Saint Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Mark's, Seattle Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choosing.
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Memories and Condolences
for Judith Callahan
Sponsored by The Family.
Elliott Wolf
August 18, 2015
Thank you Jeri for the many smiles you brought to my life. (and Ivana as well)
Julia Abramson
August 18, 2015
Aunt Jeri's smile and laughs will be missed. I have such fond memories of her zest for life and the many fun times Mom, Dana, Ryan and I spent at the Callahan houses. She is in my thoughts as we all descend on Seattle to share some family time remembering her.
Yellowstone, USA
Keith Callahan
August 18, 2015
Hi Mom,
We'll be returning you to your beloved Lake Union soon; the whole clan, you'd love it.
Hoping your current view looks more fantastic than this shot of Yellowstone. We miss you.
---Keith
August 15, 2015
I met Jeri in PV in the 1990's. Would always see her swimming in the Bay, doing her laps. Would also visit her at the houseboat on Lake Union. When my niece & nephew were younger, our trip to Seattle included stopping by to see the houseboat lady. Jeri always enjoyed life to the fullest. She is missed.
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Hank and Conrad Muffett/Kostelecky
August 13, 2015
We were lucky to see Jeri's smiling face almost daily when she was in Vallarta. She kept us up to the minute on what was happening in the neighborhood. Sorry to hear of her passing but we know she let a wonderfully rich life. RIP Jeri! Hank and Conrad
August 11, 2015
I have wonderful memories of Jeri from our Puerto Vallarta days. She loved the ocean and swam in it often. We shared the writing group and the luncheons afterwards. We also shared our travels.
The photo is sooooo Jeri. Indeed, celebrate your Mother's life!
Twila Crawford
August 9, 2015
Hi Keith and family, I have many happy memories of Jeri in P.V. We played bridge with Audrey and Lew and enjoyed the beach and sharing dinners. Also had the privilege of staying on her houseboat. Sincere condolences Joan Noble Kelowna BC
August 8, 2015
I was one of her "snow bird" friends in Puerto Vallarta, we attended the Writers Group together. I enjoyed her smile and her readings from her book. Bon voyage, Jeri! Dan Grippo
Michelle Tymocko
August 8, 2015
I met Jeri in 2005 when she and Doreen welcomed me to 575 Olas Altas in Puerto Vallarta. She was a wonderful neighbour. I have fond memories of cocktail hours on her terrace, dinners celebrating birthdays, Easter, St-Patrick's day.. with neighbours and friends. Her easy going temperament, her smile, her joy of living.
Happy memories of happy times.
My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Don Harris
August 8, 2015
I remember Jeri fondly especially remembering our years together as students at William & Mary. I used to see her cheery face at the Kappa Alpha Theta house -- and sometimes she would join me and my friend Charlie Anker in playing bridge.
We have kept track together over the years through random emails and Christmas cards. I will miss her warm and friendly notes. (Don Harris)
Joan Hernandez
August 7, 2015
So many wonderful memories going back at least 55 years starting with our friendship at St. Elizabeth, going through childbirth education classes together, watching our children grow up, frequent socializing, keeping in touch through the years apart, then reuniting on the houseboat every 4th of July. My only regret is not making it to PV. Accepting your invitations was always something I looked forward to. I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that along with your beautiful smile, those days are now only fond memories of a life well lived.
It was a pleasure sharing it with you.
August 7, 2015
I GOT TO KNOW JERI WHEN BOTH OF US SPENT THE WINTERS IN PUERTO V. MEXICO . MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
DON WILLIAMS VANCOUVER, CANADA
August 7, 2015
Scotti and Gary will miss you... we enjoyed 4 years of being neighbors in Puerto Vallarta many great memories... 575 Olas Altas
Dawn
August 2, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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