Anita L. Callahan

Anita L. (Perri) Callahan, 70 of Worcester, passed away peacefully in her home that she loved with her beloved family by her side after a brief battle with cancer on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Anita was born in Worcester, the daughter of George N. and Theresa (Montecalvo) Perri. She grew up in Shrewsbury where she graduated from Shrewsbury High School. Anita then went on to Framingham State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught kindergarten in the Oxford Public Schools before she transitioned to her most cherished job, being a mother. Throughout the years, she ran the family business, D.F. Callahan Incorporated, with her husband. Once her children were grown, she worked for the Worcester Public Schools as a literacy tutor, retiring when she became a grandma. Anita was a member of Immaculate Conception Church where she taught CCD. She enjoyed baking and arts and crafts, but her favorite pastime was being in her home surrounded by her family and friends.

Anita is survived by her husband of 45 years, Daniel F. Callahan, Sr.; their two children, Daniel F. Callahan, Jr. and his wife Lauren of Worcester and Colleen Donahue and her husband Brendan of Holden; her mother, Theresa (Montecalvo) Perri of Shrewsbury; three adored grandchildren, Evelyn and Seamus Donahue and Colette Callahan; four sisters, Nanci Palumbo and her husband Paul of Sutton, Josephine Berman of Sutton, Theresa Convery of New Hampshire and Rita Perri of Shrewsbury; brother in laws, sister in laws, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, George, and her brother, Michael Perri.

The family would like to thank the doctors at Dana Farber and UMASS who provided care to Anita, especially Dr. Tess Aulet and the nurses in her office. They would also like to thank Preferred Peaceful Transitions Hospice Care, especially Kati, who assisted in ensuring that Anita was able to stay home and comfortable.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:30 am in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will immediately follow at St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Anita Callahan to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.