Patricia Henebry Callahan

Patricia “Patsy” Callahan (née Henebry) May 9, 1945 - December 23, 2025. Patricia “Patsy” Callahan, née Henebry, age 80, of Winnetka, Illinois, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing followed nearly six years of extraordinary resilience, grace, and courage after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke; she inspired all who knew her with her dignity, strength, and indomitable spirit. Born in Chicago on May 9, 1945, Patsy was the eldest child of Mary McGuire Henebry and Major General John P. Henebry, USAF (Ret.). Patsy grew up in Kenilworth, Illinois alongside her brothers Johnny and Walter and sisters Mary and Jeannine. They were surrounded by a large Irish-Catholic family that included over fifty first cousins, from the Henebry, McGuire, Dwyer, Rassas, and Dowdle families. Their lineage is deeply rooted in Chicago’s medical, civic, and political life. Her great-grand-uncle, John P. Hopkins, was elected as the 35th Mayor of the City of Chicago in 1893. Her grandmother, Frances McCormick McGuire, helped found Misericordia in 1921. Her grandfather, Dr. Walter McGuire, and his brother, Dr. Michael McGuire, were preeminent physicians at Mercy Hospital. Patsy attended The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity, Woodlands Academy, and Barat College. From an early age, she embodied both lightheartedness and fearlessness. She earned her private pilot license as a teenager, rare for a young woman of her generation, and could often be found flying solo over the Chicago suburbs, tracing Interstate 94 as her guide back to Sky Harbor Field. Those flights reflected the independence, confidence, and flair with which she lived her life. The love of her life, Patrick J. Callahan, Jr., a Wilmette native, grew up just a few blocks away. Pat pursued Patsy on weekends home from Notre Dame and later upon returning from service in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. The couple married in January 1967 and soon moved to Palo Alto, California, to start their family. Upon completion of his master’s degree in civil engineering at Stanford University, they moved back to the North Shore of Chicago, with daughter Mary in tow, where they welcomed three sons Patrick, Michael, and Christopher. Patsy was a loving and supporting presence to her family and friends through all aspects of their lives. The door to Woodley Road was always open. If you needed a place to stay, a ball gown to borrow, a shoulder to cry on, or just a simple chat over a bowl of Homer’s coconut ice cream, she had a reassuring knack for making everyone feel better. Beyond her home life, you could find Patsy dazzling the Chicago and New York City social scenes with her glamorous style, striking beauty, and disarming humor. She gave her energy and creativity to countless philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the arts and healthcare. Over the years, she was honored by many organizations, including The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and Breast Cancer Research Foundation of New York. Patsy lived life to its fullest and she turned every challenge into an adventure. As a breast cancer survivor, Patsy made it her mission to help other women who were diagnosed with cancer; driving them to their appointments, coordinating medical care, arranging consultations and researching new treatment regimens. Most importantly, she was a steadfast advocate and a loyal friend. “I’m right there with you” she could be heard saying to anyone in need. Friends, family, and especially her grandchildren, were the greatest joy of her life. To know her was to love her, and all that came with her. If you ever had the pleasure of traveling with Patsy, you are sure to have a tale to tell. Every life she touched was better for it, thanks to her boundless spirit, humor, generosity, and love. Patsy is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Patrick J. Callahan, Jr.; children Mary Callahan (Philip) Erdoes of New York, New York, Patrick (Gretta) Callahan, III of Charleston, South Carolina, Michael (Brittan) Callahan of Winnetka, Illinois, and Christopher (Shields) Callahan of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Mia, Morgan, and Mason Erdoes of New York, New York, Henry Callahan of Charleston, South Carolina, Coco, Poppy, and Havana Callahan of Winnetka, Illinois, and Whilden, Margot, Nell, and Patrick Callahan of Richmond, Virginia; siblings the late John (Linda) Henebry of Port Townsend, Washington, Walter Henebry of Evanston, Illinois, Mary Henebry of Evanston, Illinois, and Jeannine (Craig) Rublee of Aptos, California; Patsy was a cherished aunt and cousin to many, with a special place in her heart for Kyle McIntyre (Travis) Hyde of Seattle, Washington. A visitation was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois. The Mass was livestreamed. Private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Misericordia, reflecting Patsy’s lifelong devotion to caring for the most vulnerable, by visiting www.misericordia.com/giving, Misericordia, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660, Telephone: 773-973-6300. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.