Donna Faye Callahan

Donna Faye Cocca Callahan -our beautiful mother and grandmother-passed to eternal life on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her life was a graceful and selfless devotion to her family and the Catholic faith.

She was born on April 11, 1936 in Masontown, PA to Theresa Zamarelli Cocca and Joseph Cocca. Her family moved to Salem, Ohio, where she was raised and graduated from Salem High School in 1954. She attended Ohio State University before marrying our father, Jim Callahan, in 1956. Together, they began a wonderful life, settling in West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1961-a place mom proudly called home. She was a champion of West Lafayette, often sharing how much she loved her community.

Faith was the cornerstone of her life. She led our family by quiet and steadfast example. She found great comfort in lighting candles and praying for us unceasingly-a peaceful, faithful act through which we were deeply blessed. She attended daily Mass at Church of the Blessed Sacrament and was an active volunteer in the parish as well as with St. Elizabeth Auxiliary. Through her church community, she formed many deep and lasting friendships.

Mom was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was proud to say she had a child in the West Lafayette Schools continuously from 1962 to 1991. Our number one fan, she rarely missed an event. Her home was filled with large gatherings, abundant love, delicious chicken casserole and unforgettable pumpkin bread.

She adored each new addition to our family as it grew through the years. She had a special knack for choosing the perfect card and sending thoughtful notes that made each of us feel loved. Her daily life centered on her home and her family, and in her own words, she "loved every minute of it."

Mom often commented on feeling blessed by dad's career leading our family to Purdue University. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Purdue football and especially enjoyed watching the All-American Marching Band. She was a longtime member of the Purdue Women's Club and the Delta Delta Delta Alumni Association.

Mom is lovingly survived by her children: Jill (David) DeMoss of Carmel, IN; Jim (Betsy) Callahan of Noblesville, IN; Carol Lancaster of West Lafayette, IN; Sarah Conners of Jacksonville, FL; Mike (Mollie) Callahan of Zionsville, IN.

Her grandchildren: Ben DeMoss (Dilini Daswatta) of Atlanta, GA; Pat DeMoss of Macon, GA; Kate (Jordan) Crabtree of Carmel, IN; Tyler (Lily) Callahan of Noblesville, IN; Trey (Julie) Callahan of Verona, WI; Abhi Callahan of Camp Lejeune, NC; Matt (Kristin) Lancaster of West Lafayette, IN; Lauren Conners of Boston, MA; Maria Conners of Jacksonville, FL; Anna Conners of Jacksonville, FL; Kyle Callahan of Zionsville, IN; Grace Callahan of Chicago, IL; Halle Brown of Zionsville, IN and Christian Callahan of Zionsville, IN.

Her great-grandchildren: Amelia, Juliana, Savannah, Jack, Sydney, Sophie, Cooper, Ruth, George, Naya, and Nico.

Her siblings: Rich (Dianna) Parlontieri of Hoschton, GA; Ron (Pam) Parlontieri of Lake Worth, FL; and Jeanne Hinchcliffe (Bob) of Oldsmar, FL.

She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Jim; infant daughter, MaryBeth; parents; stepfather, Dominic Parlontieri; sisters Loretta Cocca, Lucy Davies, Sara Litty; and brothers Andrew Parlontieri and Dominic Parlontieri, Jr.

Our mother's life was full. She leaves a legacy of love that will guide us and for which we are truly grateful. We miss her deeply. "Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace."

Visitation with the family will be held at Church of the Blessed Sacrament in West Lafayette, Indiana, on April 17, 2026, from 10:30–11:20 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. with celebrant Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. C. James Callahan Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made online at https://www.purdueforlife.org/. Click on "Give Now" and type "Jim Callahan" in the "search funds" field. You may also make checks payable to the Purdue for Life Foundation and mail to Purdue Foundation Gift Processing at P.O. Box 772401, Detroit, MI 48277-2401. Please note "Dr. C. James Callahan Veterinary Scholarship" on the memo line.