Helen Hershey Callahan

Helen Hershey Callahan – our incomparable matriarch – passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, of natural causes. She leaves behind a grateful family and many, many friends.

Helen was born to Frances and Fred Hershey in Silver City, New Mexico, on Dec. 29, 1927. She and her brother Tom grew up in Bakersfield, California, and she graduated from East Bakersfield High in 1945.

Helen attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she would meet the man who would become her husband and our dad, Terrance Michael Callahan. They were married on Aug. 5, 1949. Children came soon after.

Terry's jobs took them to many states north of New Mexico and their growing family eventually settled in Missoula in 1955. By 1966, the Callahan family consisted of two parents, nine children and a zoo's worth of pets – primarily cats and dogs – whose names were chosen by secret ballot overseen by Helen.

Our large family finally lived for years into a warm brick house on Connell Avenue in the shadow of the University of Montana, a neighborhood full of families with children, no small amount of mischief, and legendary Fourth of July celebrations. Helen loved watching her kids' and their friends' activities, and was especially proud of their athletic and academic achievements.

After Helen and Terry divorced in 1984, she returned to Bakersfield to care for her mother and Aunt Vida, and spent much of her time volunteering for organizations focusing on helping young people transform their lives. She received numerous commendations for her volunteer activities.

Helen loved books, especially mysteries, and particularly Agatha Christie. Many of her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren have inherited that love of reading. She also loved family gatherings at holidays, high school and college sports, and Double Front chicken.

After moving back to Missoula in 2004, Helen was delighted to get to spend time with her extended family including her grand and great-grandchildren, and she renewed relationships with many old friends.

Helen was fortunate to have many wonderful doctors and caregivers including her granddaughter Molly, the staff at the Village Senior Residence, including John, Morgan, Irene, Jenny, Cheng Mei, McKenzie, Maria, Dr. Neumeister and more.

We're especially grateful to the amazing staff at Hospice of Missoula, particularly Jaimi White, who brought her comfort, sunshine and music. As a family, each of us worked to ensure that the final months of her life were filled with gratitude, reflection and deep, deep affection.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband and her son, Patrick. She is survived by her brother Tom Hershey (Joanne) and by her children, Cathleen Callahan, Maureen Moe (Don), Sheila Murphy (Max), Tim Callahan (Ingrid), Dan Callahan (Karen), Pegy Callahan, Theresa Becker (Bob) and Michael Callahan. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, you can honor our mom's memory by making a donation to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) or the Loyola Sacred Heart Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of her life at the St. Anthony Parish Life Center located at 217 Tremont. A rosary and vigil will be held at St. Anthony Church on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 6:30 p.m.


Read Helen Callahan's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.