Joanne "Joan" Callahan

Joanne "Joan" Callahan (nee Dalton), age 92, of Hinsdale, passed away on September 2nd, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Beloved wife of the late Eugene R. Callahan; loving mother of Nancy (Daniel Lohr), James E. (Monica), David M. (Anna Liljas), Margaret "Maggie" (Rob) Nighswander, and Mary Jo (John Brown); cherished grandmother of Elizabeth, Brendan and Emily Lohr; Liam, James, Siobhan, Joseph and John Callahan; Astrid, Juniper and Owen Callahan; Teddy Nighswander and Brooke Zych; Rory and her late baby sister, Frances Brown; great-grandmother of Aidan and Jaxon Romano, Samuel St. John, Henry and Claire Lohr, Ryder and Sawyer Zych; sister of Patrick (Ginger) Dalton; preceded in death by siblings Mary (Raymond) Manning, Monsignor John "Jack" Dalton, Margaret "Peg" (Barney) Sloan, Catherine (Thomas) O'Connor, James Dalton and daughter-in-law Eileen Brady Callahan; beloved Aunt Joan to over 50 nieces and nephews and friend to many.
Joan was born and raised in Humbolt Park by her parents Jim, a Chicago streetcar conductor, and Margaret, a homemaker, who emigrated from Ireland. Her Catholic faith combined with the Irish music, dance, and culture that surrounded her all laid the foundation for her long life to come. After graduation from Maternity BVM Elementary and Providence High School, Joan worked at U.S. Steel before marrying Eugene "Jess" Callahan. Joan and Jess raised their five children in Illinois, Michigan, and California before moving back to Western Springs, IL where they lived for over 40 years.
Joan was an avid reader, who devoured the newspaper – and its crossword – every day. She had a great mind for numbers and she and Jess owned a successful publishing company, Frank R. Walker Co. More than anything, Joan was a loving mother and grandmother. She was ever present in the lives of all of her children and grandchildren – endlessly giving her love, attention, and support. She took a genuine interest in literally everyone she knew and her beautiful smile lit up the room. She was, quite simply, wonderful and will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls are greatly appreciated.
Visitation 3 to 9pm on Sunday, September 7th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Chapel prayers, 10:15am, from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Parish, Western Springs, for an 11am Funeral Mass on Monday, September 8th. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Additional Information: 708-352-6500