Mrs. Claire E. Callahan-Doherty

Claire E. Callahan-Doherty Beloved Mother and Grandmother LOWELL—Claire E. (Caveney) Callahan-Doherty, 84, passed away early Christmas morning, December 25, 2014 at the D’Youville Center following a brief illness. Claire was born in Lowell on December 30, 1929, one of twelve children of the late William and Elizabeth (Tully) Caveney. She was a graduate of St. Michael’s Grammar School and Lowell High School. Claire went on to graduate from Lowell Commercial College, and began a career at General Electric Company in Lynn. Claire married James A. Callahan on June 26, 1953, and decided to remain at home to raise her family. Claire and James were married for 20 years and together had six children. She was a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church. Upon Jim’s death in 1973, Claire returned to work, taking a position in the Lowell School System as a Para Professional. Claire was extremely devoted to her family. As a single mother, Claire devoted her life caring for her children and grandchildren. She was always a strong woman and the Matriarchal figure in the family. In August of 2001, at age 70, Claire decided to marry a wonderful man, James Doherty. Claire and James shared nearly 11 happy years together. They enjoyed traveling all over the world. They were also fond of cruises and were fortunate to take many trips together. When James died, Claire remained very independent. She enjoyed her home in Florida and traveled back and forth from Lowell every year. She lived in her own home until her death. At home and in Florida, Claire was very social. She enjoyed her friends and her weekly Whist games on Tuesdays. Throughout everything in her life, Claire always maintained a positive attitude. She remained a strong role model for her children and grandchildren. Claire was the mother of the late Karen Callahan, William Callahan, and James A. Callahan, Jr. and grandmother of the late James Barrows. She is survived by her daughters, Judith Barrows and her husband Edward of Dracut, and Kathleen Fitzgerald and her husband Charles of Woodstock, GA; her son, Daniel Callahan and his wife Cynthia of Lowell; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Callahan of Chelmsford; her grandchildren, Patrick Barrows and his wife Jennifer, Rory Fitzgerald, Brendan Fitzgerald, Casey Fitzgerald, Maegan Callahan, Connor Callahan, and Brody Callahan; a sister, Helen Ecklund of Dracut; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Claire is also survived by her late husband James’s family – all the members of the Doherty family. Claire was the sister of the late Elizabeth Caveney, Grace Dunlavey, Catherine Toti, Louise Hanney, Mary Cote, William, John, James, Joseph, and Richard Caveney. FUNERAL NOTICE Callahan-Doherty—In Lowell, December 25, 2014 at D’Youville Center, Claire E. (Caveney) Callahan-Doherty, 84 the beloved wife of the late James A. Callahan, Sr. and the late James Doherty. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on TUESDAY MORNING, from 9:30 until 11 A.M. Her Funeral Mass will follow on TUESDAY MORNING at 11:30 AM at THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Lower Church), 144 East Merrimack St. Lowell. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Claire’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army, 150 Appleton St. Lowell, MA 01852. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222. www.faymccabe.com

Mrs. Claire E. Callahan-Doherty

December 30, 1929 - December 25, 2014