Jean Marie (Evans) Callahan

Jean Marie (Evans) Callahan passed away peacefully at her home in Hingham on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the age of 92.

Jean was born in Boston on June 12, 1931, the beloved first born daughter of Arthur L. Evans and Margaret T. (O’Leary) Evans. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Richard Arthur Callahan, and three of her four children and their spouses: Maureen Callahan VanderMay and her husband Monty K. VanderMay; John J.P. Callahan and his wife Emily Dawson Callahan; and Nora M. Armstrong and her husband Stuart Armstrong.  Jean is also survived by her granddaughters Alexandra Armstrong, Caroline Armstrong and Caitlin C. Callahan and by many loving nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Kathleen A. Callahan and all of her beloved siblings: Arthur Evans; Margaret Dillon; Marion Sullivan; Patricia Meade and Charles Evans.

Jean grew up in Dorchester and attended Girls’ High School and Boston Teachers College. She met her future husband, Richard, as teenagers when Jean worked in the Boston Public Library branch in South Boston. Neither ever dated anyone else and they married in 1952 after graduating from college.

After marrying, Jean and Richard moved to Parris Island, South Carolina, where Richard began his service in the United States Marine Corps. Jean was an elementary school teacher until their first child, Kathleen, was born. Jean then stayed home as a full time mother and wife and three more children, Maureen, John and Nora, soon followed. As a mother Jean was extraordinary — providing unconditional love, unfailing support and sound guidance throughout their lives. Jean was a fierce defender of her children and never allowed anyone to treat them unfairly.

Jean’s long marriage to Richard was the cornerstone of her life.  Their devotion to each other never waned and they renewed their marriage vows on two occasions.

During their marriage Jean and Richard lived in various parts of the country.  Jean was particularly happy during their years in California, first in Saratoga and later in Pebble Beach. She loved driving around the Monterrey Peninsula in her green Miata with license plates which read Sinead, the Irish language version of her name. After their children were grown, Jean and Richard traveled extensively, regularly spending time in Europe and the Far East. During this time Jean and Richard did extensive genealogical research, reconnecting with family members in Ireland. They spent a great deal of time in Ireland and established deep and lasting bonds with family and friends there.

After leaving California Jean and Richard lived in New York City and Southport, Connecticut, where Jean took great joy in spending time with her granddaughters Alexandra and Caroline, watching them grow up and thrive. Jean and Richard were later blessed with another granddaughter, Caitlin, whose many talents brought Jean much happiness. Jean was very proud of her beautiful and accomplished granddaughters.

Later in life Jean and Richard returned to the Boston area and resided at Linden Ponds in Hingham. Returning to Boston gave her the opportunity to be closer to her extended family.  Jean passed away very peacefully at her home on January 1, 2024, with loved ones by her side. Jean was an avid reader, an excellent cook and the best friend that a person could have. She set a shining example of a life well lived to her loving family and many friends.

As Richard said many times, everyone who met Jean loved her.  It is an understatement to say that she will be sorely missed.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visitation on Monday 9-10AM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 10 AM on Monday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Brigid’s Church,  841 East Broadway,South Boston, at 11 AM. Cremation will follow