CALLAHAN, Helyn

Helyn CALLAHAN (nee Joyce)  Age 86.  Beloved wife for 65 years to Mark A.  Dearest mother of Peggy, Patty, Maureen Ward (Gene), Mike, Sheila Ridley (Mike), Katie Mortensen (Bill), and Molly.  Dear nana of John, Sally, Julie, Jeff and Maggie.  Loving sister of Betty.  Dear aunt and friend to many.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, January 21, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget of Kildare Parish.  Interment, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  VISITATION AT THE ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL RD., PARMA (BETWEEN RIDGE AND SNOW), THURSDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M.

If desired, the family suggests contributions to Holy Family Home, 6707 State Rd., Parma, OH 44134.

Helyn Joyce Callahan

Born February 18, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, Helyn was the youngest daughter of James and Eloise Hager Joyce. Helyn enjoyed the companionship of her cousins while growing up in Toledo and remained close with them their entire lives.

After graduating from high school, Helyn moved to Cleveland, where her sister, Betty Baker, was living. It was also where Helyn met her future husband in 1941. She and Mark corresponded while he was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and they were married on February 18, 1946, Helyn’s 22^nd birthday.

In the early years of their marriage, Helyn and Mark lived on the East Side of Cleveland. In 1951, they moved to Parma. They spent the next 60 years together at 8414 Whittington Drive.

As part of what is known as The Greatest Generation, Helyn and Mark were partners in life and in business. They raised seven children and had at least one child in the Parma schools for 27 consecutive years. Helyn served as a PTA member, room mother, field trip chaperone and CCD teacher for many years. Under their co-ownership, Callahan Heating & Cooling, Inc. was a mainstay in Parma for more than 40 years.

Within the family, Helyn was famous for her cakes. It wasn’t a recipe that made them special, but rather the fact that she decorated each cake with a specific theme, usually involving a clever play on words. Despite the hundreds of cakes she made throughout the years for birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day and any other number of special occasions, she never ran out of material.

Helyn was an animal lover and experienced the devoted companionship of family dog Trixie for 17 years. She also enjoyed reading and traveling. Helyn and Mark took trips throughout the United States as well as to their ancestors’ native Ireland. Helyn also had a strong interest in local politics, and even ran as a Democratic candidate for Parma City Council’s Ward 2 in 1991.

Helyn was a treasured sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, nana, aunt and friend. She will be missed.