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Katherine O'Callaghan Obituary
(nee Macken)
Kay was born January 1, 1930 in New York City and died November 15, 2019 in Tucson, her home since 1963. She was predeceased by her husband, Vince-the love of her life-whom she met in 5th grade. Her proudest accomplishment is her family. Kay is survived by her five children, Liz (Bob Leko), Mike (Jeni), Noreen (Andreas Wiedenfeld), Katherine (J. Scott Watters), and Tish; her seven grandchildren whom she loved and who loved her: Colin Jenott, Maggie Speer (Chris Speer), Bonnie Leko-Shapiro (Allen Shapiro), Eamonn O'Callaghan, Elsa O'Callaghan, Sean Leko (Dakota), and Zeke O'Callaghan (Dani) as well as seven great-grandchildren: Hudson, Finley, and Grant (expected in December) Speer, Isabelle and Declan Shapiro, Gwendolyn Leko, and Clive O'Callaghan. She also is survived by her siblings, Robert Macken and Virginia Fitzsimons. "Mrs. O" was a math teacher in Tucson for 30+ years and is remembered by countless students as their "best teacher ever." Memorial Service will be Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Adair Funeral Home Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Avenue, Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to University of Arizona Department of Religious Studies and Classics, The Robert A Burns Fund at religion.arizona.edu/give Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER.
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Memories and Condolences
for Katherine O'Callaghan
December 1, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. O'Callaghan, as I knew her, was the best math teacher at St. Ambrose where I attended as a child. I remember her tapping her ring on the glass top to her desk to get our attention. May she Rest In Peace.
Cynthia Cruz Oxman
November 21, 2019
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Please accept my condolences and prayers on the passing of your loved one.
Rachel Trefry
November 21, 2019
My condolences to you Liz and your family. Rachel Trefry
Melissa Mitchell
November 20, 2019
I remember Kay so well. She volunteered for a time at St. Francis in the Foothills, and we all loved her. She said when she was looking for a church to volunteer at, she chose ours because she didn't have to make any left turns when driving to get to it!
She was such a wonderful lady, and you know you've lived your life well when so many people remember you that way.
November 20, 2019
My sincere condolences. God understands the pain. The death of his loyal ones are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15.
Jane
Mary Grace Wendel
November 19, 2019
My love and prayers to the O'Callaghan family. I shall always remember the wonderful dinners around your table with Kay enjoying and participating in every bit of the lively conversations shared. Your thoughts found in this obituary absolutely address Kay's legacy - she was an inspiration to her children and their families as well as to so many students who called her Mrs. O. Her example of being a life-long learner is something I shall always keep close to my heart.
Jeanne Silverberg
November 19, 2019
Tish and Family: Kay was a lovely, kind spirited and delightful woman. I am so glad I knew her and my heart is breaking for all of you. She was a lot to lose ! She will live on in your hearts forever and will always be missed and remembered fondly. My sincerest condolences.
Jeanne Silverberg
November 19, 2019
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to both families.
Brian Hutcheson
November 19, 2019
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Kay. She was such a wonderful woman and I feel honored to have known her for many years. She was always such a joy to see in our office. I will miss her very much and am very sorry to all of her family for the loss. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Brian Hutcheson
November 18, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May our heavenly Father comfort and strengthen you at this difficult time.
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Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel8090 North Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704
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