Mildred M. Callahan's Obituary
Mildred M. “Mickey” Callahan, age 99, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in Fort Myers, Florida. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas W. Callahan.
Born on August 23, 1926, to the late Urban and Dorothy (Underhill) Treida in Buck Creek, Indiana, Mildred grew up in her hometown where she was known for her spirited personality, serving as a cheerleader and later graduating from Buck Creek High School. After graduation, she began her career as a secretary at Purdue University, where she met the love of her life, Thomas W. Callahan.
They were married on January 27, 1946, in Lafayette, Indiana, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, adventure, and dedication to family. Due to Thomas’s work, the couple traveled extensively, living in several locations throughout the country and abroad. Their journey took them from Indiana to Pennsylvania, where their first son, Dennis, was born; to Trinidad in the West Indies, where their second son, Thomas, was born; and later to Massena, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Leechburg, Pennsylvania; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They eventually retired to Fort Myers in 1986, later settling permanently in Lehigh Acres in 1989.
Affectionately known as “Mickey” to her many friends, Mildred was her children’s greatest cheerleader, offering unwavering support through all of their pursuits and accomplishments. Her energy and entrepreneurial spirit shined in Pittsburgh, where she managed a cheese and gourmet shop, becoming part owner and later opening two additional locations in Monroeville and Washington, Pennsylvania. She retired from this venture in 1986.
Even in retirement, Mildred’s strong work ethic remained evident. She continued working with Dillard’s and Steinmart until the remarkable age of 90. A true fashion enthusiast and natural “fashionista,” she was a sales associate and modeled for Steinmart for 15 years, delighting in style and self-expression.
Mildred also found joy in needlepoint and was an avid collector of antiques, reflecting her appreciation for craftsmanship, beauty, and history.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by those she dearly loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by her sons, Dennis Callahan (wife Rita) of Kentucky and Thomas Callahan (wife Gloria) of Virginia. She was a devoted grandmother to Brian Callahan; Thomas Callahan (wife Cynthia); Christopher Callahan (partner Doug Miller); and David Callahan (wife Angela). She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Kyle, Cora, Shauna, Logan, and Ewan.
Mildred also leaves behind the innumerable friends she made throughout her long and vibrant life, each touched by her warmth, kindness, and enduring spirit
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