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Maureen Callaghan

1952 - 2026

Maureen Callaghan obituary, 1952-2026, Olympia, WA

BORN

1952

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Lacey

2830 Willamette Drive North East

Lacey, Washington

UPCOMING SERVICE

Funeral Mass

Feb. 16, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

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Maureen Callaghan Obituary

Maureen Ann Callaghan, 73, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by her family in Olympia, Washington on February 6th, 2026. She was a tenacious woman who touched many in her too short but full life. Maureen dedicated her life's work to medicine, working as a neurologist and palliative care doctor for 40 years in Olympia, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, and University Place. She was a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother and is survived by her children Brendan (Kristina), Patrick (Maile), and Brigit (Taylor), her siblings Peggy (John) and Kevin, her grandchildren Cora and Evie, and former spouse Allen Miller.

Her soul was as vibrant as her wardrobe, as she filled any space with colorful stories and her gift of gab. As a woman who loved traveling and the outdoors, she has sewn connections across the world and has left an example of what it means to seize the day.

A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey, WA on Monday, February 16th at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will also be held at a later date, in the summer of 2026. To honor her life, please donate to Franciscan Hospice House, Immaculate Heart High School (Los Angeles), or Doctors Without Borders.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian from Feb. 9 to Feb. 15, 2026.

Memorial Events
for Maureen Callaghan

Feb

16

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Lacey, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Lacey

2830 Willamette Drive North East Suite G, Lacey, WA 98516

Memories and Condolences
for Maureen Callaghan

Sponsored by Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Lacey.

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24 Entries

Jody Flynn

Yesterday

Blessed to have met Maureen in Ecuador and Galapagos. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person full of life and adventure. Rest in peace.

Heather & Ron

Yesterday

I met Maureen as a neighbor and helped take care of her dog, Bailey, during her adventures. We became friends and I always felt so lucky to know this amazing woman. I told her all the time how cool she was because she truly was. I learned so much from Maureen and treasure all the chats and texts and pictures of her trips. I could write an entire book about this wonderful woman. I miss you so much already and wish I had more time with you. My thoughts and prayers are with her family that she loves so much and talked about all the time. Until we meet again, my dear friend

Kirsten Harma

Yesterday

We were so happy to have Maureen in our Samba community! She had a great spirit and had so much fun dancing with us! Our group of colorful blue "nudibranchs" will dance her memories during this Procession this year. Condolences to the family.

Diane Fuson

Yesterday

I was very sad to hear the news about Maureen. I knew Dr. Callaghan through work at Franciscan Hospice. We had many good conversations about life; kids, aging, dogs, hopes for the future, travel, etc. She touched many lives and will not be forgotten. She was a very special person. Condolences to her family.

Valerie Pingel

Yesterday

I am so saddened by the sudden loss of Maureen. My thought and prayers are with the family. May Maureen rest in peace.

Leslie Barrett

February 12, 2026

As a hospice nurse, I worked with Dr Callaghan for many years. She was such a caring and kind human, and had a delightful sense of humor. Blessings and comfort to her family.

Kathleen Welsh (Luiten)

February 12, 2026

In our childhood and throughout adolescence, Maureen and I were close neighbors in Los Angeles. We shared many adventures, struggles and dreams throughout our elementary school years at St. Brendan's and during high school at Immaculate Heart.
By the time we were in 5th grade, I remember how Maureen stood out because she was already several inches taller than almost all of the other kids. (She grew to her full height earlier than most of us.) Later I think it was her character, inner strength, and vibrant energy that people noticed and were drawn to.
Maureen was a truly a Light in this world. Hopefully everyone who knew and loved her will continue to carry some of that Light in our hearts as we remember her.

Suzanne-Marie English

February 11, 2026

Oh, my! Maureen is a Force of Nature, a beautiful, warm, vibrant soul. I know her passing leaves a huge gap among her many friends as well as her beloved family. This has to be hard! Blessings to All.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Latasa

February 11, 2026

I feel fortunate to spend some time with Maureen at our recent Immaculate Heart High School 55th reunion. Such a blithe spirit. We will all miss her.

Betsy Minnick

February 11, 2026

Scott and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Maureen's sudden passing. We have so many wonderful memories of play group, camping trips, dinner parties and more. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with her family.

Linda and Jon Kopetzky

February 11, 2026

So shocking and sad. Peace to the family.

Rhonda Wade

February 11, 2026

I am shocked and saddened by this news. I met Maureen on a holiday markets tour, and we were planning on a trip to Canada. She was so full of life, talked adoringly of her grandchildren and children. Maureen could light up a room with her smile. She will be missed!

Sheila Fay

February 11, 2026

A tragedy .....an incredible woman......may her memory be for a blessing always.

Lee Miller

February 10, 2026

I knew Maureen from church, and during the time I worked for the Olympian the editor got her to do an occasional column for the paper about her work at the hospital as a neurologist. I so enjoyed reading it, and the the editor said she would submit them by email, sometimes in the middle of the night - like, she would get home late and write until the wee hours of morning. We both were part of Samba Olywa, OIlympia's Brazil-style drum and dance group. She was a dancer who would rejoin the group every March to learn the routines and make her own costume for whatever species we were in the Procession of the Species, and then dance in the streets with us. She amazed me. We'll miss her when dance practice for procession begins and she's not part of it.

Evelyn Larsen

February 10, 2026

We have lost one of the good ones.
So many great memories of time with Maureen; from the time our eldest were toddlers to her AZ visit a year ago.
Our sincerest condolences to her family.
May your fond memories give you comfort,

Nancy Purcell

February 10, 2026

My first memory of Maureen is at an annual WSMA meeting standing in line for some activity. She was holding 8 month old Bridget. After that initial meeting there were many shared good times while engaged in WSMA activities. The most fun was a visit to a historic site in New Orleans with Maureen and her family. She was an excellent president of WSMA and a trusted colleague. She was an enthusiastic mother and devoted to family. Her death comes much too soon and I am sorry it has happened. My condolences to her family.

Sue Johnson

February 10, 2026

My heart hurts with this news. I will keep my memories of play group and gatherings when the kids were little close. Thinking of Maureen´s family.

Samuel W Cullison

February 10, 2026

It is with a heavy heart that I respond to this sad news of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Dr. Maureen Callaghan. Maureen was a wonderful physician and former leader in our Washington State Medical Association

Janis Humberd

February 10, 2026

So sorry to hear of Maureen´s passing. My sympathies to her family whom she dearly loved. We met on a trip to Australia and found we had so much in common. Was looking forward to meeting up with her on her return from her recent adventure. Rest in peace dear friend.

Jennifer Hanscom

February 10, 2026

I'm so shocked and sadden by this news. Dr. Callaghan was an outstanding physician and patient/physician advocate. As an active member and leader of the WSMA and the WSMA Foundation, we are all sadden to hear of her unexpected passing. Our condolence, love and support for her family. I will share this news in our community.

Theresa and Tony Lirette

February 10, 2026

What a shock to learn of your passing, our dear friend. May you rest in Peace.

Diana Yu

February 9, 2026

Oh Maureen, so many more adventures, hikes and dancing down the streets to do. I will miss you. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

Margo Newell-Eggert

February 9, 2026

Maureen had such a colorful flair!

2024 photo with Maureen, Margo Newell-Eggert, Deb Rough-Mack.

Margo Newell-Eggert

February 9, 2026

She was a long-time, dear friend who cared deeply for her family and friends, and whose presence made life richer for all of us. She had a wonderful laugh, a generous and caring heart, and an exceptional mind, an outstanding physician who gave so much of herself to others.

She loved traveling the world, setting off on adventures in her beloved Scamp camper, and spending time outdoors. A good walk and an even better conversation brought her joy. She took pride in her faith and heritage-Irish Catholic through and through, family traditions and lived with warmth, curiosity, and kindness. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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