Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Callanan Obituary
May 28, 1931 - September 11, 2017
Mary Irene Callanan was born on May 28, 1931. A proud third generation San Franciscan, she attended St. Paul's grammar school and high school. Upon graduating, she went to work for the Internal Revenue Service and subsequently worked for various departments in the city. She also went to USF, where she earned a degree in accounting, as well as an MBA. Later on, she became the Chief Accounting Officer for SFO before being appointed by then Mayor, Dianne Feinstein, to the position of City Treasurer and was then reelected by the voters by a huge margin (1980-1997).Mary loved people and enjoyed being an active member in a number of organizations, including The Young Ladies Institute where she served as president for a time, the Three I's (the Irish, Israeli and Italian Society), and the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) where she served as the National Treasurer for a time. She was also a member of the United Irish Cultural Center, as well as the Cork Sister City Committee where she served as the first co-chair. In addition, she served on the Board of Regents for St. Ignatius College Prep. In recent times, Mary was particularly proud of having been awarded the "Alumnae of the Year" by USF.
She will be greatly missed by her brother, Edward Callanan, sister-in-law Peggy and niece Maria, as well as by many friends. The family wishes to thank the wonderful support she received from Supple Senior Care, in particular Marisol and Tess who showered her with warmth and care.
Friends may visit Monday at 10 AM, attend the Rosary at 1045 AM and celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11 AM (ALL At) St Paul's Church, 29th St. and Church St, S.F. Committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Anthony's dining room.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Callanan
Sponsored by McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
Howard Wong
September 8, 2019
It's good to keep her in our memories---for her contributions to the City and its financial stability, and as a good person. May we all make the world a better place---to honor Mary Callanan.
Howard Wong
September 19, 2017
My deepest condolences. As an architect, I worked with Mary callanan when as our longtime City Treasurer she stroved to upgrade security at City Hall. She was a keen to detail but personable at the same time. In many ways, Mary Callanan symbolizes the best of public professionals who shaped our city.
Caitriona Supple-Diviney
September 16, 2017
R.I.P Mary and condolences to your family. You were a lovely lovely Lady.
Teresa Dunleavy
September 15, 2017
A great woman with a fierce sense of loyalty to her Irish heritage, to her San Francisco and to St. Paul's parish and schools. She will be missed. R.I.P.
Thomas O'Toole
September 15, 2017
Mary and I worked together years ago. Mary was not only San Francisco's Treasurer but a true San Francisco Treasure. Our prayers are with Mary, her family and her wealth of friends.
Peggy Cornish
September 14, 2017
The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will miss your Irish wit and the songs.
Mary As you go to Tir Nan Og
We know that Tir Nan Og is the Place of the Blessed Where there is no pain, no sorrow, only great joy.
Weep but briefly for your loved one.
By now they have obtained a pleasure that is unobtainable On this earthly realm, for by now Mary has seen the face of God.
We shall meet again when we join her in
Tir n'an Og (pronounced Tiernan Og), through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Bp William Justice
September 14, 2017
Mary was a wonderful person. She could light up a room with her smile and laughter. Her great Irish American singing and her incredible public service was a gift to her beloved City of San Francisco. Her faith in the Lord called her to share her gifts also with her parish St Paul in the Noe Valley and with the Archdiocese of San Francisco on the various boards she served. She was an inspiration to the joy of life and to the service of others. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. And may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Thank you Mary
Bishop William Justice Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of San Francisco
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Callanan's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Callanan
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Callanan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
