Helen Marie Callahan Shank, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 1, 1924, in Fort Wayne, IN. The ninth of ten children, she was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Moran) Callahan. She was married in 1948 to Thomas C. Shank, who proceeded her in death in 2005. She attended Central Catholic High School and Rosary College, River Forest, IL, where she received an Elementary Education degree. She was an active volunteer throughout her life with the American Red Cross, St. Joseph Hospital, St. Johns Helping Hands and the Sacred Heart Franciscan Center. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Holy Rollers Bowlers, Psi Iota Xi sorority and The “Ornery” Card Club. She enjoyed her summers at Clear Lake, Notre Dame Football games, Family Dinners, knitting and was a Gold Card Carrying Member of QVC.
She is survived by her nine children, Tom Shank (Cindy), Jim Shank (Sandi), Patty Shank, Barbara Richards (Jim), Laura Storie (Rick), Louise Rowan (Chris), Katie Eckrich (Tom), John Shank (Sarah), and Mike Shank (Kelly), 25 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren and longtime, compassionate caregiver, Irene.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4500 Fairfield Avenue. Visitation will be held Friday, March 29, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Rosary at 4:30 p.m.) and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.
Preferred memorials are to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church; Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for the Jim and Sandi Shank Scholarship Fund, benefiting The Autism Center and Turnstone Center; Bishop Luers High School, and The Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Thomas Shank.
