Obituary of Marie Callahan

Marie (Castellon) Callahan 90, of East Haven, died peacefully in her home on July 8, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born December 5, 1923 in New Haven to Charles and Anna Maria (Mazzarella) Castellon. She is preceded in death by parents and sister, Carmela “Candy” Johnson. Marie is survived by loving daughter; Anna Maria (Frank “Jay”) Perrelli of East Haven, grandchildren; Kimberly, Anthony and Christi Perrelli, brother Ralph Castellon of East Haven, Sister Dolores (Donald) Sabino of West Hills, CA. and numerous loving nieces and nephews in CT, Los Angeles, Washington State & Montana. After graduating from Stone Business Academy, Marie began a lifelong career with the government highlighted by her service as personal secretary to big band leader, Major Glenn Miller while he was stationed at Yale University with the Army Air Force Band during WWII. Retiring from the IRS after 38 years, Marie was devoted to her family, later helping to care for her grandchildren and spending much time in Washington with niece Joanne Hudson helping to care for her great nephews Anthony, Jacob & Justin Petz as if they were her own. Marie loved the theatre, big band music and dancing. She also loved to shop (coupon queen) and travel – especially enjoying time spent each year at her timeshare in Florida with daughter, son-in-law & grandchildren. Her family would like to acknowledge the Agency on Aging, Orchard House of Branford & to thank the Hospice staff for helping them through those last most difficult hours. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM on Sunday, August 3, 2014 in the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave, East Haven. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Monday Aug. 4th at 10:00am. Committal to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405