Elizabeth Callahan

Remembering Betty...

On Friday morning, October 25, Elizabeth Callahan peacefully died after a more than two decade battle with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. Known to most people as "Betty" she was 87 years old at the time of her passing. She was born at home on Schoolhouse Lane in the East End section of Wilkes-Barre, PA on April 1, 1926 to Martha Cromley Callahan of Plymouth, PA and her husband Albert Callahan of West Pittston, PA. Betty was the second child born to Burt and Martha. Siblings included a step brother James and sisters: Alberta (b. 1924), Margaret (b.1929, Jule (1930-1986). The four sisters formed a devoted family bond that lasted their entire lives.

Betty attended St. John's Grade School and Coughlin High School leaving before she graduated to help her family due to the abundant work available from the war effort.

Determined, self-reliant and at times feisty, Elizabeth never married and preferred a simpler quiet life filled with her extended family. She resided with her mother, Martha, providing her support until her death in 1982. Betty was dutiful and never failed to take Martha for her weekly Saturday outing to Downtown Wilkes-Barre for breakfast and shopping despite weather or economic realities. She was a hard worker at times working two jobs and spent much of her career in the region's sewing factories throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's. At the age of fifty-eight she returned to school and obtained a certificate from Luzerne County Community College as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. She was a life-long resident of the Wilkes-Barre living on Carlisle Street, New Alexander Street and Amherst Avenue.

Elizabeth was an integral part of the lives of her nieces and nephews throughout their childhoods. She taught two generations of children how to play cards, color between the lines and properly drink a cup of tea. She was the first family member in the area to have a color TV in the sixties and regularly hosted her nieces and nephews for evenings of rich cultural fare such as Batman, Green Hornet and Hullabaloo. This extended family includes: Mollie Walsh Davis, Collegeville, PA, Kevin Walsh, Columbia Mo, Amy Jo Walsh Colvin(deceased), Renee Anne Hanan, Nantucket, Mass, Raymond J, McGrath, Lansdale, PA, James McGrath, West Pittston, PA, Jill Monahan, Philadelphia, PA, John Monahan, (deceased), Jane Monahan Stewart, Macungie, PA, and Tim Monahan, Larksville, PA. She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews some of whom had the opportunity to know her prior to the onset of her illness. Betty is fondly remembered for never missing a Birthday or Christmas present, her enormous love and patience for children and making the greatest grilled cheese sandwich in North America.

Betty endured a long and lengthy decline from dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Throughout her illness she had the unwavering support of sisters Alberta and Peggy through issues both heart-breaking and at times comical. In the last decade of her life, Elizabeth needed constant care and supervision first moving to Christian Manor in Pittston, PA and then to Golden Living in Bear Creek Township, PA. Her family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of these facilities for their dedicated service to Elizabeth and their efforts to maintain her quality of life. Special gratitude goes to Marilyn Smith of Christian Manor and Julie Conrad of Golden Living for their support of both Betty and her sisters.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, November 29 at the family home in West Pittston friends may call 215-350-0646. All family and friends are welcome.

McLaughlin’s – The Family Funeral Service is assisting Betty’s family with arrangements.

Permanent messages and memories can be shared with Betty’s family at www.celebrateherlife.com