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Mary Calloway Obituary
CALLOWAY, Mary Lou
Passed away on April 29, 2005, from complications related to cancer. Born on February 8, 1949, in Carmel, CA. Preceded in death by her loving father, Paul Richards. Survived by her mother, Marjorie Richards; husband, John F. Calloway; daughter, Shelley (Tony); daughter, Amy (Eldridge); her pride and joys: grandchildren, Courtnie, Eric "Coopie", Taylor, Tyler and John John; and brother, Paul (Pat). Loved by many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, friends, and especially her nieces, Kelley and Mindy. Dedicated to her students from the Elk Grove Unified School District for nearly 28 years. As union president for CSEA-831, she promoted fairness and equality throughout the district. Extremely passionate about employee relations, she remained active in political measures affecting school employees and education statewide. The family requests donations to be forwarded to Schools Credit Union, 7400 Laguna Blvd, Suite 202, Elk Grove, CA 95758 CSEA -831 for an educational memorial fund to be dedicated in her name. A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 5 at South East Lawn Mortuary, 9189 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove from 12 to 8pm. A service will be held on Friday, May 6 at 11:00am at the Harvest Church, 10385 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove with a Celebration of Her Life to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Calloway
Mindy
April 28, 2024
Thanks for keeping this going Shell Miss her and hear her all the time
Mindy
February 12, 2024
Love and Miss you eternally
Cindy Stockly
June 24, 2005
To the family of Mary Lou
I met Mary Lou at various CSEA functions and I liked and admired her so much. She was a great union activist and I could tell a real fun person to be around. I always admired and envied her ability to sign-up new Victory Club members for CSEA. I wanted to win the prize for my chapter like she consistently did for her chapter. I was so shocked to hear of her passing as she seemed so healthy when I last saw her at a conference on February 28th. Please accept my condolences. She was a great lady, who will be missed by many. Cindy Stockly
Shannon Kelsey
June 8, 2005
My condolances from my family to the family of Mary Lou. I am a very close friend of her neice Amanda Crandall and met Mary Lou at a family gathering about 3 years ago. Hang in there and remember that allthough she may be gone she will never be forgotten.
Linda A. Welch (Webb)
June 7, 2005
May the wings of the angels that carried you gently home to your father in heaven always fly just swiftly enough near us to keep your warm and loving spirit amongst us. Until we meet again; thanks for the memories. God's blessings to your family. In His love, Linda
Donna Tate
June 7, 2005
Lord where do I begin, I don't remember a time in my life without Mary Lou. There are so many fond memories, But I think the most fondest was all the weekends @ Clearlake. She was a true Mother hen, Keeping me covered with sunblock so I would not burn or putting burn cream on me after a bad burn because Fred towed me out to the lake in my inner tube (asleep) as a joke and I got so burned I could not move, Or helping me and Debbie fix up (our) room under the cabin by making Fred get rid of the spiders, Protecting me from my big Sister Gloria when she was on the war path with me, The Huge Buffet breakfast she would make with the help of Aunt Margie and Pat during any family/friend get togethers, Teaching me to dive at the Pool party in Waterford in 1974 when the pool first went in, The little lounge chair she bought Mitch when he was only 3 months old, Protecting me from Fred's unusual humor at the house warming on Tangerine in Sacramento, Taking me with them to the races to watch Big Frank race Circle 32. Dying my hair for the first time and making my Flower Girls dress for my Sister Doris's wedding. Like I said So many Memories. Mary Lou Thank you for always being there when I was a Kid. Thank you for the memories. I will always Love you and Miss You. Give Uncle Paul, Frank, Gloria, My Mom and Dad, Bobby Jo, Uncle Olvie, Grandma Crandell, Granny Richards and everyone else Our Love and tell them we all Love and Miss them too. What a reunion that must have been!
We'll see you again one day. Love Donna Mae
Amanda Crandell
June 6, 2005
Aunt MaryLou in my opinion has always been one of the strongest people I have ever known. I will always remember her as our 'family coordinator'. She had a lot of great advice to give and plenty of past time stories to share with everyone. She was always there to assist in any way she could. She is missed profusely. My prayers are with Shelley, Amy, and the grandkids.
Kristy Crandell
June 6, 2005
I became a member of Mary Lou's family when I married Jon Crandell 10 years ago. She welcomed me to the family with open arms and an open heart, but boy, did she let me know what would happen should I ever do anything to hurt Jon. :) Mary Lou is the definition of family, and she will be dearly missed. I wish that I had more time with Mary Lou to learn from her, to be inspired by her, to be held accountable by her and to love her...but I cherish the years that I did have with her.
Debbie Crandell
June 5, 2005
MaryLou,
Our matriarch(spelling?). My greatest personal memory of her is how welcome she made me feel when I first was invited to their house for Christmas with my friend Kelley. That was a very special Christmas to me and a start of many more special memories with that family. Wil never forget and learned from her "taking charge" at all of the reunions and the shopping "in bulk" at the store at midnioght the night before. Well, you get the picture. She sure will be missed by alot.
debi ang
May 22, 2005
Mary Lou's energy and dedication to the education of young people will never be forgotten. She loved working with the kids, inspiring them to try their hardest. I'll always remember working with her at Florin Elementary, especially our "Movie Nights" selling hot dogs and nachos. Mary Lou, you will be missed by all.
Kelly Barnett - Davis
May 14, 2005
To the family of Mary Lou:
Mary Lou was a very special person as all of us know. She was loved and respected by many. Her work with the Elk Grove School District will never be forgotten. She has taught so many about fairness and eqaulity, and how important education really is. Her message has been heard loud and clear over the state for the past 28 years; her legacy will live on.
Mary Lou was very special in my life because she always made me feel welcome in her home. I could walk in on a family dinner, and she would always offer a plate. She would invite me and my family to various events and I will always love her for that.
She opened her home to me and let me enjoy her girls. We had a lot of fun, and I look forward to spending more time with the famiy. The funeral service was just beautiful; thank you to all that made it a special day. Great job on the slide show Kel; the pictures really captured just how beautiful Mary Lou really was.
John, Shelley, Amy, and all of the family....hang in there, and know that I am here..ALWAYS!!
I love you all :) Kel
Shelley Muñoz
May 12, 2005
I miss my mother Mary Lou so much, and I just can't believe that I'll never see her again. I'll cherish the last night she was here with us that my sister Amy and I spent with her in ICU and I'm glad I told her good bye even though I thought I would be back in a couple of days to see her. And although I have lived in Reno, NV for the past 10 years, I talked to my mother nearly every single day. I think that is what I miss the most is calling her each morning on my way to work, just to say Hi and see what had happened since I talked to her the day or night before, or tell her how the girls did in their softball games the night before or something new baby John-John did. I new my mom was a special person to her family, but I didn't realize how she touched so many other peoples lives until she passed and saw all the people at her funeral whose lives she touched like her families. It saddens me to know that she will never see her grandchildren, Courtnie get married or Taylor graduate from High School, or Baby John-John grow up to be the big boy he thinks he is already. I cry everyday for her and continue to tell her grandchildren "Grami loves you." To my dad and my sister Amy, people keep telling me eventually it will get easier as time goes on, I know it seems hard to belive right now because we loved her sooooo much! And we go on everyday for her greatest joys, her grandchildren, she loved them so much. MY MOTHER WAS THE BEST! Thank you to all her family, friends and co-workers for your help, thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Richards
May 8, 2005
It is never easy for those left behind, but when you lose someone so unexpectantly we all feel the shock. May it help to know there are many people who share in your sorrow and stand with you in your time of need. May beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time.
James Stehle
May 8, 2005
I know Mary Lou because I married Kelley Richards. Kelley's love for her aunt Mary Lou and all of her family was something I never understood. As my family was never a very close I love you type of family.Mary Lou taught my wife to love family no matter what and in return Kelley has shown me how much love in a family means to my life and everyones life. Thanks Mary Lou for all the love you gave and passed on to others. I will miss you. May God love you as much as you loved your family and friends. James Stehle
Mindy Nielsen
May 8, 2005
Oh Aunt Marylou what are we going to do without you? I loved you so much, you always took care of us kids. Your with grampa now. We already miss you so much. Please watch out for all the babies...you do it the best. I Love You...MIndy
David Ziemann
May 7, 2005
John, I just wanted to say we are very sorry for your loss. From all of us at Maita Chevrolet. Sincerely, David Ziemann
Kathy Sharp
May 6, 2005
I only met Mary Lou once but she seemed like a great lady My heart goes out to Fred and her children and her mother is a great lady. My sincere condolences on your great loss. She is in the arms of God where we all hope to be someday.
Nora (Righello) Wustrack
May 5, 2005
Fred,Amy,Shelly and family, I was saddened to hear of Mary Lou's passing. May you find peace and comfort in the thought that a life so fully lived is never forgotten.
God Bless and Keep You
Neenah Estrella-Luna
May 5, 2005
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends for this great loss. Ms. Calloway inspired others to fight the good fight. She taught many to realize their own courage and strength. I'm sure there is a special place in heaven for Ms. Calloway.
WENDY(MORITZ) MOORE
May 5, 2005
AMY,
MY HEART IS WITH YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS, YOUR MOM MADE ME FEEL LIKE A PART OF YOUR FAMILY, I HAVE'NT SEEN YOU ALL IN A FEW YEARS AND ALWAYS THINK OF YOU.. I MISS YOU AND WILL ALWAYS MISS YOUR MOM..
WENDY
Anita Estrella
May 5, 2005
My most sincere condolences to the family. You are in my prayers. I wish you great strength to get through your loss.
PAM DALTON-HERMANN
May 5, 2005
DEAR AMY,
I JUST HEARD OF YOUR MOTHERS PASSING. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR
LOSS. MY HEART AND PRAYERS, GO OUT
TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD
GUIDE YOU DURING THIS SAD TIME.
PAM DALTON-HERMANN
SAC./COURTS/TRAFFIC
Kelley Richards-Stehle
May 4, 2005
My Aunt Mary Lou...She taught us all so much, took us so many places and loved us like no one else!!
I learned how to be a good daughter,wife and mother, and most of all I learned how to be a WONDERFUL Aunt because of her.
To my Family...She will live in us forever!
Jackson Parham
May 4, 2005
Mary Lou and I were on opposite sides of a collective bargaining table, but we also friends. I respected her vigor, her intensity, her commitment to fair dealing. The world was a better place for her having spent time with us. We will miss her. I miss her.
WENDY MOORE(MORITZ)
May 4, 2005
MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU IN THE FAMILY. MARY LOU WILL ALWAYS STAY IN MY HEART. I REMEMBER ALL THE TIMES AMY AND I WERE GETTING READY FOR AN EVENT OR JUST GOING OUT MARY LOU MADE SURE WE HAD EVERYTHING WE NEEDED AND WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US. THANK YOU. YOU ARE A SPECIAL WOMAN! AND HAVE A GREAT FAMILY. YOU WILL BE MISSED.MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL. GOD BLESS WENDY
Angela Estrella
May 4, 2005
I am sorry for your loss,and my sympathy goes to the family and friends that are left behind.
Maria del Carmen Estrella
May 4, 2005
My condolences to the family and friends on your tragic lost.But is also our lost. We lost a great voice. When we needed to be heard she was always there. Through the strength she showed in her last weeks of life,the fight for our cause,we shall remember her always. The prayers of my family are with all of you. May God bless.
Margot Lizardo
May 4, 2005
Amy, I am going to miss your Mom! She was a terrific lady and she loved you very much. She was so much fun to have around, and when she was there with Carol, there was not stopping them. Mary Lou was the only person that could pull off mint green nail polish.
I will always have fond memories of her. She is wrapped in God's arm now. My best wishes to you and your family. Margot and the Curves family.
Vicki Curd
May 4, 2005
Miss Amy,
Maggie and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She sounds like an extraordinary woman. Our hearts go out to you and your family, as does our prayers.
Randy Bayne
May 4, 2005
Mary Lou was one of those rare individuals who truly and deeply cared about others. She stood strong for those unable to stand for themselves and lifted the unjustly oppressed that they might regain strength and dignity. Mary Lou was a powerful voice that will not be silenced. Her voice, her strength, her spirit lives on through those whose lives she so joyously touched and richly blessed. She leaves behind a rich legacy of a life well lived.
Kim Harbert-CSEA Chapter 480 Public Relations Officer
May 4, 2005
It is with respect and gratitude that we bid farewell to Mary Lou. She has touched the lives of so many people, and served as an inspiration to those who work with children in the public school system. Thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and co-workers at this time. She will light up the sky with her smile.
Cindy Freitas
May 3, 2005
MaryLou was a wonderful woman who honestly cared that all her coworkers were treated fairly in the school district arena and in her private life. I know that she had helped me several times when there seemed that no one else would. I respected her honesty, integrity and diplomacy. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. A true leader and friend will be greatly missed by all.
JUDY JONES
May 3, 2005
My heart and thoughts are with Mary Lou's family and friends.
Love, Judy Jones (GUHSD)
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