Gladys Ann Callan

1929 - 2025

Gladys Ann Callan
02/26/1929 - 07/04/2025
Gladys Ann Callan passed away at her home in Hillsborough on Friday, July 4, 2025, after a long struggle with dementia. She was born at Mills Hospital in San Mateo County on February 26, 1929. Gladys is survived by her children Thomas Joseph Callan III (Kathleen) of Jay, OK, and Jennifer Callan Desler (Brian) of Hillsborough. She is also survived by four grandchildren Thomas Joseph Callan IV (Kristin), John (Grace), Cate, and Peter Desler. She is predeceased by her husband of 63 years Thomas Joseph Callan Jr, her son Mark Callan, and granddaughter Katherine Callan.
Gladys was raised in Colma, attended Mercy High School in Burlingame and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. She was a lifelong Cal football fan and proud Cal graduate. Gladys and Tom moved from Daly City to Hillsborough in 1956. Gladys was an active member of the Peninsula Tennis Club and introduced her husband and daughter to competitive tennis; she was even following Wimbledon in her final days. In the tradition of John Muir, Gladys cherished every visit to Yosemite National Park, especially the exquisite Ahwahnee Hotel. Gladys enjoyed planning summer vacations that her family will also remember, especially 16 reunions at the Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California. Gladys inspired her children to follow contemporary events, including politics and elections. She was a persistent taskmaster. Her son Thomas may never have earned an A in Spanish at Bellarmine High School had she not drilled him night after night in verb conjugation. She loved the outdoors, particularly her rose garden.
The family is eternally grateful to Marie Rueda and Angie Cortes, wonderful caregivers who became like family. We also want to thank Ana Garcia for her assistance. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1310 Bayswater Avenue, Burlingame. A private burial will follow.