Jean Callaghan

Jean Callaghan, aka Ramona Jean, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep March 19th at Longview Senior Living in Ithaca, where her son, Tom Callaghan, had recently relocated her from her lifelong home in Kansas City, Mo.

Jean was born in Avery, OK to Charles L. And Regena I. Abbott, Jean and her older brother Charles, L., Jr. The family migrated north, first to Jefferson City, Mo., before settling in Kansas City. She graduated from Southwest High School, where friends introduced her to her future husband, Jerry (William J.) Callaghan, who attended a rival school. They were married in June of 1956. They welcomed their only child, Tom (Thomas W.) in July of 1962.

Jean was a dedicated music lover, which motivated her to teach herself how to play the piano as a young girl. It also led to her spending many years singing in the choir at South Broadland Presbyterian Church, where she and Jerry were long time members.

At South Broadland, she and Jerry were very active and made many good friends. Most notably, they were befriended by Jackie and David Bergman, who helped Jean in countless ways following Jerry’s death in 2010.

In addition to the Bergman’s, Jean’s neighbor, Shannon Kaffenberger, was also a vital support to her over the past few years. It was the support of Shannon, Jackie and David and Kathy Johnson that made it possible for Jean to remain living in her home after Jerry’s death in 2010. A series of health issues in recent years accumulated to the point where living independently was no longer an option.

At that point, she asked her son, Tom, of Trumansburg, NY, to help her move to Longview in Ithaca so that she could be nearby. Tom brought Jean to Trumansburg for a short visit before moving her to Longview in March.

In addition to her husband, Jerry, Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her brother. She is survived by her son, Tom and his partner Brian Williams, and many nieces and nephews.