Mary DeSnoo

DeSNOO (Callahan)
Mary. February 2, 1915-November 16, 2013. Mother, Wife, Sister and friend to many, left us on a bright Saturday in Sparks, Nevada due to the complications of old age.
Mary Callahan DeSnoo was one of ten children born to Thomas and Margaret Hayes Callahan of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Mary lived through two world wars, the great depression, the Second Vatican Council, political assassinations, women's liberation, the golden age of radio, the advent of TV, men walking on the moon, computers, cell phones, A Bombs, Soviets, and even Rock and Roll. She was known for her generosity, faith and strength of character.
She and her husband Emile (who passed away in 1981) were blessed with five children; Barbara (Dr. Alessandro) Pireno, Joanie (Rob) Prommel, Dennis (Coral), Marianne (Jonathan) Shedd, and Neal (Margaret), and five grandchildren; Alessandro Pireno, Gabriella Pireno, Zachary Shedd, Amelia DeSnoo and Will DeSnoo. She is also survived by her brother Joe and sisters-in-law Kay Callahan and Gloria Callahan and scores of nieces and nephews.She was proceed in passing by her sister Margaret and brothers Ray, Tom, John,Jimmy, and Frank.
Her family will miss her and remember her impact on their lives.
After the death of her father, Mary left high school to work on Wall Street to support her family. She later worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia. After marrying Emile in 1943, they lived for a short while in Boston, moved to New Jersey, settling in North Haledon. She was active in the life of that community. She partnered with her husband in his business (Hobart Sales and Services), participated in Cub and Girl Scouts, the North Haledon Marching Bank, the Library, St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church and many other civic organizations. She proudly saw all of her children attend college and marry. In the 1970's, Mary and Emile moved from North Haledon to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she lived for many years.
An avid bridge player, reader and lap swimmer, in her seventies and eighties she was a Senior Olympian in the 400 and 800 meters. These activities, coupled with her deep interest in new ideas and other people, no doubt contributed to her longevity. She embraced life and raged against the dying of the light.
A celebration of her life will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family recommends a charitable gift to support children and their education.