Obituary of Maria Callahan

    Maria Sadowski Callahan of 231 Chestnut Grove. New Milford, CT died peacefully with loving family at her side on January 14, 2024.

    Maria was born on December 9, 1921 in the family home at 19th St in Brooklyn, New York, daughter to Felix and Sadie (Kaminski) Sadowski. She was graced with a brother, Victor Sadowski and sister, Eleanora Sadowski Dunn, both predeceased.

    Maria worked for City Service Oil on Wall Street, NY when she was introduced to the love of her life, James F. Callahan. While he went off to war (WWII) and was then held as a POW, she wrote to him, and prayed for him until his release. They were married on July 14, 1945 and embraced 52 years together until his passing in March 1998.

    Maria and Jim had 6 children: Joan Lachowicz of Bellevue, Nebraska, Gregory Callahan of New Fairfield , Connecticut, Maria Callahan (deceased), Dorothy Lathrop (deceased), James Callahan of New Fairfield, Connecticut and Patricia Bowers of New Milford, Connecticut. In addition, she had 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

    Maria lived in Brooklyn, NY, Tuckahoe, NY, New Fairfield, CT and with her daughter, Patty, and granddaughters, Julia and Kimberly, before settling into Chestnut Grove of New Milford, CT for her golden years. She served on the Board and was grateful for the many friendships she made there.

    Educated as an accountant, Maria worked for local companies such as Stone’s Color Center and Morganti Construction before taking on private accounts and retiring at the age of 93. She was a talented knitter and made beautiful baby blankets and sweaters  sold in her daughters store until the very end. Maria played piano and often provided lessons. She belonged to numerous Women’s clubs and was an avid reader. She was a devout Catholic and proud of her Polish heritage….and she was an amazing cook.

    Maria connected so lovingly to so many. People who met her, adored her. Her smile was grand when a friend or family entered the room. Her life was filled with so many chapters, achieving 102 years of age. She had much to share from her learnings and it was appreciated by anyone who took the opportunity to hear them.

   There will be a wake at Cornell Memorial of 247 White Street, Danbury, Ct on Wednesday, January 17th from 3-7pm. A mass of Christian burial will be at St. Edwards Church in New Fairfield, Ct on Thursday, January 18 at 10 am. Burial at Mountainview Cemetary in New Fairfield will follow.

   In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made to Regional Hospice of Danbury Ct or to The New Fairfield Animal Welfare Society in her memory.