Obituary of Shirley M. Callahan

Shirley Mickel Callahan, 91, of Montour Falls, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2022 after a brief illness. Shirley was born near Philadelphia, PA to Ruth (Congdon) and Stanford Mickel on January 19, 1931. Her family relocated to this area when she was a young girl. Shirley graduated from Odessa High School in 1948 and went on to study business at Keuka College. She married the love of her life, John, in 1949 and started a family. She was a library assistant at OMCS High School in the 1970’s. She left that position to travel and live abroad with her husband, John, as he worked for Corning Inc. After he retired in 1984, Shirley returned to library work and was the librarian at the Montour Falls Memorial Library. After retiring from that position, she served on the Board of Directors for the library. Shirley loved reading, watching cooking shows, traveling, and spending time with family. Everyone that met her remembers her bright smile, and warm personality. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth, Jane, and Pat; daughter-in-law, Lisa; 7 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren, sister Fay (Gene) Lewis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John, sons; Matthew and Terry; great-granddaughter Lillian Shirley; and her parents. Memorial donations may be made to the Montour Falls Memorial Library, or Schuyler County Historical Society. The family extends their immense gratitude to the staff of Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility (especially Unit 1) for their kindness and tremendous support of Shirley and her family during her final days. A graveside memorial service and internment will be held at the Montour Cemetery (upper section) on September 17, 2022 at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to join the celebration of life.